Death and taxes ... and taxes on death?
As the saying goes, only two things in life are certain; death and taxes.
When figures were released last week showing that £4.6 billion…
Crystal balls, mind reading and dismissals
Can an employee be dismissed for making a protected disclosure, even if the person dismissing the employee is unaware a disclosure was made…
What happens when a family member dies without a Will?
Figures continue to show that more than two thirds of the population don't have a Will.
A few weeks ago the tragic death of the actor Anton…
Pokémon Go - Who is to blame if I'm injured whilst playing?
There are lots of reports appearing in the media about Pokémon Go and accidents such as car accidents and trips and falls caused by people…
Compulsory Pre Action Protocol to be introduced for Personal Injury Cases
After many years of anticipation, a compulsory Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury cases is to come into force into Scotland, setting…
Brexit: what now for your personal affairs?
It has now been over a month since 52% of UK voters voted to leave the EU. Since then we have been on a political rollercoaster with…
Landlords Could Lose Out Over Phone Mast Rules Changes
The Government has recently published proposals to reform the Electronic Communications Code to encourage mobile phone masts in rural areas…
The End of Short Assured Tenancies
The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 was passed in April and is expected to come into force in late 2017.
After the…
To wear or not to wear that is the question?
Is a ban on religious clothing in the workplace discriminatory or can it be justified as a legitimate occupational requirement?
Most…
Taxi to the employment tribunal please! - Uber faces court action over employment status of its drivers.
The world’s largest provider of taxis is in an Employment Tribunal in London facing claims by its drivers that they are workers and…
How much HR involvement is too much?
Employers with HR departments understandably seek support from HR when disciplining employees but it is important that they do not become…
Domestic abuse: not always behind closed doors
Recent media coverage has highlighted the unfortunate situation of domestic abuse and the separation of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
This…
Is reading an employee's personal messages at work breach of privacy?
You may have heard about the case of Barbulescu v Romania which was widely reported in the media as it appeared to give employers the go…
When can an employer dismiss an employee who is not as unwell as they claim?
In a recent case the Employment Appeal Tribunal held an employee’s dismissal for exaggerating his illness was fair.
What happened?
Mr Ajaj…
Brexit - An Employment Armageddon?
The unthinkable happened yesterday – at least for 48% of UK voters – the UK has voted to exit from the European Union.
The differences in…
Public Sector Exit Payments
May 2016 saw the Enterprise Act 2016 be passed by the UK Parliament.
From an employment perspective, one of the key provisions of the Act…
Voluntary Registration of Title & Keeper Induced Registration
The Scottish Government’s drive to ensure transparency of land ownership includes accelerating the registration of titles to land in the…
The Extension of the Community Right to Buy
The Community Right to Buy rules have been extended by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.…
Ransom Strips
Many landowners who have considered selling land for development will be aware of ransom strips but any considering the voluntary…
Dealing with Concurrent Disciplinary Proceedings and Criminal Charges
What can, and should, an employer do if an employee is charged with a criminal offence?
The recent conviction of Sunderland player Adam…
Taxing Times - LBTT 3% Surcharge for Rural Property Transactions
From 1st April 2016 additional surcharges to LBTT will apply to some residential property purchases.
After 1st April 2016 the Scottish rate…