MacNairs + Wilson

Recent research has revealed that British people feel more comfortable talking about their own death or the death of a loved one than they did five years ago, but only a third have actually started to put plans in place for when the time comes.

The latest House Price Index from Halifax has revealed that house prices in the three months to May were 1.4% higher than in the preceding three months. This was slightly below April’s 1.5% and was the lowest since November 2015 (1.4%).

Property prices across the UK have risen considerably with many experts stating that those considering selling a property should do so while demand is currently exceptionally high.

I have had to give advice to a number of clients recently in connection with Settlement Agreements, where employment is terminated by agreement usually for some enhanced payment to the employee. I have noticed that the employer will frequently attempt to retain its’ rights to enforce contractual provisions restricting future employment. These clauses are usually referred to as “Restrictive Covenants.” Many people wrongly assume that these clauses are not enforceable. This is absolutely not the case as companies are entitled to protect their legitimate interests from harm by a dishonest employee who intends to steal a company’s goodwill and business knowledge, built up often at great cost over a number of years. A recent decision, however, serves as a reminder that companies cannot always rely upon these clauses.

We were consulted recently by an employer who wished to place an advert for new staff but was worried they might be in contravention of the Equality Act because of the wording they proposed. Employers should remember that discrimination laws extend to job adverts and the owners of business premises should also be aware that if they allow a discriminatory advert to be posted on their premises then they may also be guilty of discrimination.