In a bid to improve EU energy efficiency and reduce emissions across the UK, new laws have been introduced that require all rented properties meet a minimum energy performance standard by April 2018.  Sarah Brooks, Residential Conveyancing Partner, advises landlords to start planning for any adjustments that will need to be made, otherwise risk facing a penalty fee or a restriction on renewing contracts.

An exclusive deal...not any more!

• Posted2015-07-24 00:00
• AuthorHoward Robson

Zero hours contracts have been in the spotlight for several years, and in the run up to the General Election they became a political ‘hot potato’!  One area regularly under scrutiny was that of exclusivity clauses.  These prevent a worker on a zero hour’s contract from working for another company.  These clauses are now consigned to history, and as of 26th May 2015 the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act outlaws exclusivity clauses in a zero hour’s contract.

A Weighty Issue

• Posted2015-07-23 00:00
• AuthorHoward Robson

Howard Robson, Partner in our Employment Team here reviews a recent case considering obesity as a disability and whether employees have the right to bring a claim for weight related disability discrimination.

Missing maintenance payments leads to imprisonment

• Posted2015-07-22 00:00
• AuthorKevin Horn

Parents failing to make maintenance payments to a former partner to support their children is unfortunately a situation that is regularly seen in our Courts.  For those who cannot afford to pay adjustments can be made to support both parties as a whole to act in the children’s best interests, however when a party has the means to make payments but simply avoids them, stronger measures can be taken by the Courts. 

Recent Cases Involving Celebrities Highlight the Importance of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

• Posted2015-07-17 00:00
• AuthorTorion Bowles

Torion Bowles at Warner Goodman Commercial reviews two cases involving global superstars in the music industry, which have recently highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

Breakthrough in family law as anaesthetist ordered to pay 100% of assets to support his children

• Posted2015-07-17 00:00
• AuthorSam Miles

The Court of Appeal has recently upheld a family judge’s decision to order an anaesthetist to give 100% of his assets to his former wife.  The case comes as a warning to those looking to shy away from making regular maintenance payments for the benefit of their children, and here Sam Miles, Family Partner, reviews the facts of the case and what motivated the judge to make the remarkable award of 100%.