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.
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill: What changes have been announced and who is affected?
The Labour government’s new Employment Rights Bill (published on 18th October 2024) introduces significant changes that aim to improve job security, expand worker protections, and increase flexibility for millions of employees across the UK. Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law at Banner Jones, breaks down some of the key changes and explains who will be affected.
Updates to Sexual Harassment Laws – is your business ready?
As of 26 October 2024, every employer has a legal duty to take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This change in the law comes at a time where sexual harassment claims against well-known TV presenters and businessmen are dominating the headlines.
Landmark Renters’ Rights Bill — Implications for Private Residential Landlords
Residential landlords will need to shape up for the forthcoming legislation set out in the Renters’ Rights Bill put forward by the government. The banning of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 as a method for evictions will provide greater security for tenants, alongside a raft of other proposed changes. Smaller scale landlords, in particular, are likely to be affected by the changes.