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Since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak there has been a marked increase in the number of queries being made in relation to Inheritance Tax, Estate Planning and Wills. High levels of global uncertainty have brought financial planning to the fore as many are focused on protecting their estates and ensuring the ongoing financial security of their families. An estate refers to everything in your possession that carries value; this can be your savings, investments and properties as well as equipment, cars and jewellery. Your business also forms part of your estate and there are several important legal considerations...
Equine and agricultural specialist Catherine Whittles of Staffordshire law firm Bowcock & Pursaill answers your most common questions. Do I need planning permission? Yes you may do, as equine and agriculture fall into different use classes. This also applies to any buildings you erect for stables or any ménage you construct. Can I get a grant? There are development grants available in some areas to help farm owners diversify which we can advise on. Do I have to be licensed? No, however it can help if your yard is approved by the British Horse Society which proves you meet certain...
Many employers are currently utilizing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and this will remain available until the end of June 2020 (unless the Government confirms a further extension). Solicitor and Bowcock and Pursaill, Clare Thomas explains employers’ options regarding termination of employment during furlough. Whilst the CJRS has provided businesses with some time before making more drastic changes to the workforce in response to the pandemic, most will already be trying to evaluate the short, medium and long-term impact of Covid-19 both on the economy in general and more specifically their business. Some businesses will close sadly. However, businesses...
We live in challenging times. The government is taking steps to keep the economy going during the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic. Legislation is being enacted in weeks rather than years; guidance is being communicated and updated regularly. The consequences for employment law and practice remain in some circumstances uncertain: none of the new laws, regulations or guidance have yet been tested in the employment tribunal. If you face employment challenges please take advice from an expert employment lawyer and consult the gov.uk website. There are numerous gov.uk pages providing guidance. There is also the Treasury’s Direction on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme...
It’s widely documented now that sadly, divorce rates are predicted to spike in the coming months due to the extra pressure put on couples to self-isolate together. We’ve seen it happen in China already and unfortunately, it’s not a new concept. With divorce stats typically at their highest after Christmas and the summer holidays when couples have spent a prolonged period of time together, it’s unlikely that the consequences of COVID-19 are going to be any different. So we’ve produced a simple guide, which will hopefully help couples to weather the storm, survive social distancing together and in some cases,...
If you are in the middle of a conveyancing transaction or even if you propose to sell or purchase in the very near future you will be aware that the restrictions that have been placed up on us all by the government in response to the Convid-19 outbreak will have an impact on you. The severity of the impact will very much depend on your individual transaction however on the whole as everyone is in the same boat most transactions will proceed but they will just take longer from the date you agreed the sale until the day you complete....
Many businesses are suffering from the spread of coronavirus and considering what options are available to them to manage their workforce during this turbulent time. Clare Thomas, Solicitor at Bowcock and Pursaill answers some of the most frequently asked questions, including the alternatives to furloughing. Employment: Q&A re Covid-19 Employers have faced unprecedented times in the last few weeks. Even financially healthy businesses must navigate changing government guidance carefully to take advantage of the help offered by the government and protect themselves against employment law claims. We have set out below some of the key points that have arisen over...
Employment Tribunals – an alternative to the queue In 2017 the Employment Tribunal system changed when a UK Supreme Court case declared Employment Tribunal fees unlawful. Employment law solicitor Tim Wolley looks at the effects of this landmark ruling on the employment tribunal process. What is the effect on tribunals? Employment tribunals were a slow process to begin with but with the ruling in 2017, the process of getting to tribunal has continued to slow. This now means the queue of cases is growing along with the number of applications, which increased by 25% this year. This could leave tribunals...
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – a blessing in disguise? NDAs (confidentiality clauses) are popular in the business world. However, there is a suggestion that NDAs can help employers to cover up any illegal behaviour by paying employees or workers off and then binding them to silence with an NDA. Our Employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains what you can do to protect yourself from unfair NDA terms in settlement agreements. What is an NDA? Often found in settlement agreements – but can also be required before starting a project – NDAs stop business secrets and sensitive information becoming public. Settlement agreements are...
Founded in 1927, Bowcock & Pursaill has been our clients’ number one choice for solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire for almost 100 years. We also act on behalf of clients throughout the country.
The firm prides itself on its customer service, offering detailed and bespoke advice to clients thanks to our small and highly specialised team of partners, solicitors and legal executives based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Are you interested in joining Bowcock & Pursaill? We have a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone else and there’s a good team spirit.
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