Eaton Smith assists Simply Biz in acquisition
Eaton Smith is pleased to have worked with Simply Biz Limited in its acquisition of a majority stake in Staffcare Limited, a provider of Pensions Auto Enrolment and Flexible Benefits software. Deborah Melluish, head of Eaton Smith’s corporate team, said: “The deal demonstrates Simply Biz’s continuing commitment to the... Read More
Employee Shareholders
Since 1 September 2013, it has been possible for employers who are limited companies to agree with employees that they will give up some of their employment rights in exchange for shares in the employer’s company. Whilst this new employee status is still in its infancy, it has been in the press since it received... Read More
Dismissal at the request of a third party
Employment legislation prescribes five potentially fair reasons for dismissal: 1. conduct;
2. capability, which includes poor performance, ill health and lack of qualification;
3. redundancy;
4. illegality, which applies where continuing to employ the employee would contravene a statutory restriction e.g. because of their... Read More
Are you using unpaid interns?
Whether or not an individual is an employee will depend on a number of factors. It is often advantageous for both an employer and an individual to classify the individual as a consultant or an independent contractor (instead of an employee) as this classification will allow for tax advantages for both the employer and... Read More
The use of social media in the recruitment process
When recruiting a new employee, there may be a temptation to research the applicants by investigating information that may be available about them on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. In fact, in 2012, ACAS carried out a research paper which suggested that over a quarter of employers use social media... Read More
Are your warnings well worded?
The recent case of JJ Food Service Limited v Kefil concerned a manager, Mr Kefil, who was dismissed due to his management style. Mr Kefil’s behaviour was so bad that his staff collectively signed a letter of complaint against him. His behaviour was described as discriminatory, threatening, bullying, and amounting to... Read More
Innovating companies can gear up for clever tax benefits
Innovation companies can now maximise the advantageous tax regime that’s been brought in for patented products.
The Patent Box tax regime came into effect in April and it gives companies a reduced 10% corporation tax rate on the proportion of profits derived from the exploitation of patents. It applies to patents... Read More
When an employment relationship comes to an end... Using PILON clauses
Where an employment relationship is coming to an end, it is often beneficial to both sides to terminate the employee’s employment immediately rather than require the employee to work out their notice period. Employers may be concerned that the employee will be demotivated and unproductive during their notice period, or... Read More
The responsibilities of sole company directors and sole traders
When blaming yourself just won’t wash Mechanic fails in his attempt to win damages for injuries resulting from his own actions as sole company director
A motor mechanic who lost a finger working in his company’s workshop has failed in his attempt to win damages from his insurers, after trying to claim for his own... Read More
Business gets a boost in Spring budget
Business gets a boost in Osborne’s Spring budget
Business can breathe a sigh of relief following the latest statement from the Chancellor, with a package of measures designed to stimulate UK plc. The Spring budget was delivered against the gloomy backdrop provided by the Office for Budget Responsibility, which... Read More
Who owns an email?
whose email is it anyway?
Business must take steps to protect the content of business emails through contractual agreements and operational processes such as archiving, as the courts will not treat the contents of emails as their property Who owns an email?
That was the question facing the High Court recently when an... Read More
Social Care for the Elderly
homeowners warned over new care home fees rules Experts warn householders to take care over asset protection schemes against future care home contributions Following the long awaited announcement on the changes to residential care fee contributions, homeowners with higher value property are being drawn to routes to... Read More