Blog
May 2023
ACAS launches new mental health guidance for the workplace
Employers are being urged to familiar themselves with new mental health guidance released by ACAS for better wellbeing at work.
May 2023
Have you overpaid your inheritance tax bill?
Probate is complicated and because of the associated costs it can be tempting to try and do it yourself. However, we find in most cases, people pay too much tax because they are not claiming the reliefs available to them.
May 2023
A widow wins £1m after being disinherited from her husband's will
We wrote in a blog previously that while technically there is nothing illegal with leaving family members out of a will, but it's certainly a difficult moral dilemma.
Usually, we hear about family members being disinherited after a family feud, but in this latest case, Mr Karnail Singh, who passed away in 2021, expressed a wish in his will to leave his estate entirely to the male line.
May 2023
Let's talk about Menopause in the work place - Interview with GWR (Great Western railway)
In June 2022, the Employment Team at Downs Solicitors LLP, held a webinar discussing menopause in the workplace and emphasised that it was something that needed further recognition amongst employees and employers. If issues or concerns are not addressed in the right way, some instances could lead to an Employment Tribunal case.
May 2023
Reasons why writing a will is the best pain relief
Here at Down’s we’re strong advocates for will writing - it’s probably one of the most important documents you’ll ever need, yet less than half of all UK adults actually have one. But why? Yes, none of us actually like to talk about death, but if you don’t have a will, you’re just creating unwarranted issues for your friends and family - and here’s just a few reasons why.
Apr 2023
Business insolvencies hit record highs
The number of businesses going into liquidation has been climbing steadily since late 2022 and have hit record high levels this year – even more so than during the pandemic. But, what is it that is driving this rise in insolvency?
Apr 2023
Non-competition restrictions in employment contracts
It is common to see employment contracts containing standard form non-compete clauses lasting for say 12 months after the employment ends – i.e. provisions aimed purely at preventing employees, after termination, from working for any competing business. Restrictions expressed in this general way are always likely to be unenforceable.
Apr 2023
Radio 4 presenter's diagnosis a reminder to get affairs in order
BBC presenter and much-loved voice of Radio 4, Susan Rae, has just gone public with her Alzheimer's diagnosis - and with it the stark reminder came through of the importance of planning for later life.
Apr 2023
Post-nuptial agreements are gaining in popularity
We’ve all probably heard of a pre-nuptial agreement, but what about the lesser-known post-nup? What exactly is it and why are more people looking to write them?
Apr 2023
Employers - are you aware of changes starting in April?
It’s going to be a busy year in the world of employment law, as several significant changes come into play from 6th April this year, affecting things like maternity pay, sick leave and redundancies, so make sure you’re aware of the new rules.
