Flexible hiring; how it can help your business succeed
The traditional ‘9 to 5’ no longer suits a modern work force. However, flexible working is not just about part time hours for mothers. Those with disabilities, carers of elderly parents and even those simply looking for a better work/life balance all want flexible working arrangements to help them meet their needs. Since June 2014 any employee with at least 26 weeks’ continuous service has the...Read More
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If court is a ‘last resort’- what are the alternatives?
Courts actively encourage parties to resolve their disputes without court intervention and consider litigation to be a ‘last resort’. As Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals become increasingly overburdened with cases and whilst resources and funding continue to diminish, it is not hard to see why the courts take this ‘last resort’ approach. For some types of disputes like construction and...Read More
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Dealing with disputes; preparation is the key – It can save a bundle!
A case last month at the High Court demonstrated how a lack of preparation can cause an adverse impact. The case of PM Project Services Ltd v Dairy Crest Ltd EWHC 1235 (TCC) concerned disputed invoices of £1.2m for construction work. An application made to court was supported by a witness statement together with 750 pages of exhibits. However, the bundles for the hearing had been...Read More
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Brexit and businesses – Keep calm and carry on!
Brexit; no longer a question of ‘if’ but are we any clearer on the question of ‘when and how’ Are you a business-big or small? Do you employ EU nationals? Are you an EU national working or operating in the UK or a UK citizen employed abroad in the EU? The decision to leave will no doubt have cast you into the pool of uncertainty and concern. But rest assured, we at JFH Law are...Read More
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The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Small Businesses
Consumers are more likely to speak out about any negative experiences they have had with your business rather than the positive ones. As a small business you therefore need to be able to deal with consumer complaints fairly and in line with legal obligations. This can help protect your reputation and ensure your business grows. It is therefore important for all small businesses to...Read More
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Persistent sickness absences
If you have an unreliable employee who is constantly phoning in sick, this can take a toll on managing workloads and staff morale, especially if you are a small business. In this article we look at the best way to manage persistent sickness absences and consider if there are any ways you can reduce them. Managing Genuine Absences Most employees are conscientious but occasionally you...Read More
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Spring Budget 2016
In addition to the legal changes above, on 16th March 2016 George Osbourne announced the Spring Budget. Generally, the Budget saw positives for both businesses and individuals. Spring Budget 2016: 7 key points 1. Reduction in business rates The small business rate tax relief will double from £6,000 to £12,000 from April 2017. Whilst this is a positive for small business owners,...Read More
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Spring 2016: Legal Updates That Could Affect You
Spring 2016 is finally here, but with it comes the first wave of new UK legislation for 2016. 5 Key changes that affect small businesses and employees from Spring 2016 National Living Wage From 1st April 2016 any worker who is 25 years old or above will be entitled to the National Living Wage, which is initially set at £7.20 per hour. The National Minimum Wage will continue...Read More
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Self-employment; will we finally see some clarity?
On 14 February 2016, the founder of the Cambridge Satchel Company, Julie Deane OBE, published her review of self-employment in the UK, which looks at the challenges and opportunities for those wanting to work for themselves. The report estimates that 15% of the UK workforce is currently working on a self-employed basis. However, with the lack of definition as to what precisely...Read More
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Exercising Discipline in a Disciplinary
Most employers will, at some point, have to apply a disciplinary process in respect of an employee. It’s not exactly a task that anyone relishes, not least because of the unpleasant nature of confronting thorny issues such as persistent lateness, inappropriate use of social media and even theft. The amount of time they can swallow up is also extremely disruptive to the business. Face...Read More
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