The government’s ‘furlough’ scheme is an unprecedented means of saving jobs and viable businesses in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis – but how does it interact with the insolvency regime? The High Court addressed that burning issue in the context of a restaurant chain
Commercial arbitrators’ awards are meant to be final, rather than merely the opening salvo in full-blown litigation. A High Court ruling on a big money dispute concerning a Ukrainian gas field showed that challenging such awards is always an uphill task. A Texas-registered oil and
Complying with planning laws can be expensive and inconvenient, but failing to do so is likely to result in a criminal record and a severe financial penalty. In a case on point, a property owner who simply ignored an enforcement notice requiring him to remove
The purpose of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is to ensure that workers receive decent pay packets, into their own hands and free from deductions. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) underlined that point in ruling that a football club failed to pay the NMW because it
It is for local authorities to ensure that non-domestic rating lists are accurate and up to date and businesses are under no obligation to point out errors. The High Court made that point in ruling that one such mistake entitled an IT company, at least
The distinction between employees and independent contractors is replete with grey areas but could hardly be more important. The Supreme Court gave authoritative guidance on the issue in ruling on the case of numerous bank workers who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by a
Failing to make a professionally drafted will is a positive invitation to family strife after you are gone. In one case, a spectacular falling out between two brothers could have been averted had their mother taken the time to consult a solicitor. The woman died
Some couples may now be able to leave £1,000,000 free of Inheritance Tax. The new tax year started on 6th April 2020 and any person who dies on this day or in the future will be entitled to the maximum residential nil-rate band (RNRB)
When entering into a contract with a limited company, it is vital to know whether it is acting as principal, in its own right, or as an agent for someone else. Exactly that issue arose in a High Court case concerning a ship renovation agreement.
Road accidents ruin lives, but specialist lawyers are thankfully there to ensure that innocent victims receive just compensation. In one case, a 72-year-old man who was struck by a car while crossing the road near his home won more than £700,000 in damages. The pensioner
