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Employment contracts continue to make headlines due to debates around zero hours contracts, the ‘gig’ economy and the national minimum wage. Our employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains the common mistakes employers make when it comes to employment contracts. Key issues with employment contracts: There is no written contract! Poorly written/drafted Contractual or non-contractual provisions Contracts are altered incorrectly Post termination restrictions are excessive or vague There is no written statement An employer must provide a written statement within two months of an employee starting work which, by law, must contain certain information relating to the employment. Where the employer fails to...
Mental Health Awareness Week has put workplace wellbeing back in the headlines and the measures employers are taking to support their staff. Our employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains how mental health can be managed and what legal obligations employers must meet under the Equality Act 2010. One in four of us will experience mental ill health at some point in our lives according to the Department of Health, which means it’s essential for employers to have a strategy in place to identify and support those staff who may need extra help. Stress and mental health in the workplace Stress is...
Family and Matrimonial Solicitor, Lisa Cogger, of Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors, explains how the recently announced changes to UK divorce law by the Government will work in England and Wales. Why is UK divorce law changing? Existing divorce law in the UK has remained unaltered for nearly 50 years, and increasing demands for change came following the Tini Owens case in 2018. The Supreme Court ruled in July that she could not divorce her husband without her spouse’s consent until they have lived apart for a period of five years. Owens and her husband, Hugh Owens, had been living separate lives...
Landlords could be in line for further tax reliefs to make improvements to their properties following a recent Parliamentary committee recommendation. Our landlord and tenant specialist, Joy Hancock explains what tax reliefs are currently available to landlords. What are the allowable expenses a residential landlord can claim? The most common types of expenses you can claim are: General maintenance and repairs to the property, but not improvements (such as replacing a laminate kitchen worktop with a more costly granite worktop) Expenses for the interest on a buy to let mortgage to buy the property Water rates, council tax, gas and...
According to the government the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 ‘provides essential protection for our lowest paid workers’. ACAS state that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay per hour most workers are entitled to by law. This framework is reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission, with new rates set to take effect from 1 April 2019, so it’s important that business owners take those necessary steps now to comply with this updated legislation, says Bowcock & Pursaill Employment Specialist Clare Thomas. New National Minimum Wage Rates From 1 April £8.21 per hour for ages 25 and over £7.70 per hour...
Farmers will be allowed to increase the size of buildings and convert more buildings to housing, following changes to permitted development rights (PDRs). Our farm property and agricultural specialist Ian Naylor explains more… Permitted development rights enable certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without needing to obtain planning permission from the local planning authority. Following a consultation last year, the Government announced changes to the Class Q permitted development legislation which allows for the conversion of agricultural buildings to dwellings without planning permission. Until now the legislation has allowed for the conversion of up to 450sqm...
Bowcock & Pursaill have been involved in bringing the former Spode pottery site at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent back to life. The development of the factory off Elenora Street marks a new chapter in its history after pottery production ended there in 2008 and is now regarded as a brilliant example of heritage buildings being used for new purposes. Working alongside entrepreneur Jeff Nash, Bowcock & Pursaill property specialist Joy Hancock has been involved in the legal paperwork required to help Jeff create a popular café, 26-bedroom hotel (the Potbank) complete with bridal suite, and an events space on site which...
This is the third year in a row the staff at Bowcock & Pursaill have taken part in Christmas Jumper Day to raise cash for charity, and this year they excelled themselves with their natty festive knits. While the national Christmas Jumper Day raises money for Save The Children, this year staff decided to support a charity closer to home – and their hearts – so every penny raised will support the Douglas Macmillan Hospice based in Blurton. This amazing charity provides support and care to over 3,000 patients with life-limiting illnesses each year in North Staffordshire, while also offering...
Is a settlement agreement the same as a compromise agreement? Are settlement agreements legally binding? And are they only used in redundancy situations? Our Employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains all in this guide to settlement agreements. What is a settlement agreement? Previously known as a compromise agreement, a settlement agreement is recognised by statute as a legally binding contract between an employer and employee, which waives an employee’s right to bring most claims in the employment tribunal and other courts against the employer. In return, the employee usually receives a financial settlement. When are settlement agreements used? A settlement agreement can...
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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