Commercial contracts often endure harmoniously for many years, but their very longevity can make termination even more acrimonious. That was certainly so in the case of an employment agency that provided staff to a retailer for more than 20 years prior to its replacement following
In a case that will be required reading for anyone working in the hospitality industry, the Court of Appeal has ruled in the context of a holiday food poisoning case that, when food is served, or taken from a buffet and put on a plate,
Many housing estates, particularly those built in the 1960s, are looking tired and no longer meet modern living requirements. However, as one High Court case showed, their regeneration presents a major challenge for local authorities. The case concerned a low density urban estate of 360
The definition of ‘disability’ in the employment context continues to be controversial, particularly when it comes to conditions that afflict very large numbers of people. The issue was highlighted in one important case concerning a type 2 diabetes sufferer. After the man lost his job
Many professional firms continue to bear the names of former partners – but, if the latter object, what legal rights do they have? In tackling that issue, the High Court found that the goodwill built up by an employment lawyer belonged to the firm for
In the present economic environment, many tenants will be seeking to vacate premises, reduce the size of their premises or renegotiate their leases, so times are tough for landlords. Furthermore, tenants who were ‘good tenants’ or who seemed financially strong may now be a less
In densely populated urban areas, the right to daylight and not to feel overshadowed by new development is of ever increasing importance. The High Court made that point as it scotched plans for a subterranean building project in Central London. A company that managed a
Provision of affordable housing is an essential objective of the planning process but is not always popular with developers. In one High Court case, construction of four homes in a small village was blocked after the would-be developer withdrew an offer to contribute almost £120,000
A great many applications for planning consent are submitted in outline, with details of proposed developments left over for consideration at a later stage. In an important ruling, the Court of Appeal analysed the extent to which planners’ hands are tied by the limited scope
Working at height requires special training and protective measures. In a cautionary tale for employers who may be tempted to use unqualified staff to carry out roof repairs or other precarious tasks, a company that did just that was hit hard in the pocket after
