How to Reduce Inheritance Tax (IHT) by Giving Gifts During Your Lifetime
The UK government made some important changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the Autumn Budget 2024. These changes could affect how much tax your estate pays when you pass away. This guide explains what’s changed and how you can use gifts to reduce the amount of IHT your estate might owe.
The Redundancy Process – a guide for small businesses
As financial pressures mount for small businesses across the UK, it has become increasingly important to proactively assess and refine redundancy processes.
Why the consultation period matters when making redundancies
Most business owners and decision makers will grapple with the prospects of having to let people go, and the subsequent redundancy process, at some point during their career.
While the decision itself might be tough, it’s absolutely vital that the process is handled correctly, or employers could find themselves facing legal action.
Business First Magazine - Spring 2025
Check out the Spring 2025 edition of our Business First magazine for businesses.
Court fee increase
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced that from 8th April 2025, 171 court and tribunal fees will increase.
Employment Law Changes from April 2025 – what do employers need to know?
As part of the government’s pledge to deliver on its promise to Make Work Pay, we will see various statutory payment rate changes from April 2025 as well as an increase to the minimum wage and Neonatal Care Leave becoming a day 1 right.
What are the proposed changes to the Employment Rights Bill?
The UK Government's consultation on the Employment Rights Bill has culminated in several significant amendments aimed at enhancing workers' rights while addressing concerns from businesses and other stakeholders. Initiated in October 2024, the consultation sought feedback on various aspects of the proposed legislation, leading to a series of revisions being published at the beginning of March 2025.
Neonatal Leave becomes a Day 1 right
The Department for Business and Trade confirmed that a day one right to neonatal leave for working families with babies in neonatal care will be introduced from 6 April 2025.
Son successfully contests late mother's £700,000 will after evidence revealed his sister “helped” her sign it
In a recent legal case, a son successfully contested his late mother's £700,000 will after evidence revealed that his sister had physically manipulated their ailing mother's hand to sign the document.
Domestic Abuse – What can employers do to support employees?
Domestic abuse is alarmingly prevalent in the UK. Employers should consider the impact of domestic abuse on employees as part of the duty of care and put procedures in place to support them.
Employment Law Changes in 2024 and What Employers Can Expect for 2025
The UK employment law landscape has undergone significant changes in 2024, and more updates are on the horizon for 2025 and beyond. These reforms impact employers, demanding careful consideration by them to ensure they are legally compliant and ensuring they are following best practice.
The Risks of Divorcing Without a Formal Financial Settlement
According to the findings of the FairShares research project in November 2023, just one-third of divorcing couples finalise their finances through a court order. Without a court-approved financial remedy order (known as a Consent Order), divorcing couples may find themselves subject to claims being made against their assets and pensions in the future, many years after the divorce proceedings have been finalised.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Settlement Agreements For Employees
This guide sets out the steps involved if you’re an employee considering the offer of a settlement agreement and are looking for advice on how to navigate the process in England and Wales.
Work Christmas parties and the law
Work Christmas parties are a staple on the corporate calendar, but it is always important to remember that even though it is a Christmas party, it is also a work event. As an employer, you have a responsibility to your workers and a duty to ensure the rules are followed.
Business First Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024
Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of Business First Magazine.