News
Welcome to our news page. Here you will find out what we’re up to and what we think about recent events and future possibilities.
Devonshires Solicitors Launch Devonshires Basements
Devonshires Solicitors have launched a new professional services brand, Devonshires Basements, at an event at the unique and exclusive Home House private members club in Portman Square.
Extending Shared Parental Leave to Grandparents
They say it takes a village to raise a child. George Osborne appears to agree with this proverb in some respects with a proposed extension of Shared Parental Leave to grandparents.
Court of Appeal restricts pension benefits for surviving spouses in same sex partnerships
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Walker v Innospec, an appeal concerning equality of pension entitlements for same sex couples.
The Role of Human Resources in Disciplinary Proceedings – The risks of crossing the line
A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal decision has provided a reminder of the role of Human Resources in disciplinary proceedings.
IR35 – Changes through Consultation – Employers Take Note
Intermediaries legislation (known as IR35) is the tax and National Insurance (NI) legislation that may apply if an individual works for a client through an intermediary. This is a common arrangement for consultants and some agency workers. The IR35 regime was introduced as a way of cracking down on the use of intermediary companies to
Can leaseholders claim compensation if the landlord delayed or failed to carry out repairs?
If a leaseholder reports a repair, for example a problem with the roof, then the landlord will need to consider if it is responsible for the repair works to the building or internal repairs to the leaseholder’s property and how it will be paid for.
Law in Flux – Time Limits for Bringing Contractual Claims in the Employment Tribunal
The Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) Order 1994 (the 1994 Order) gives an Employment Tribunal jurisdiction to hear common law claims made by employees for damages arising out of breaches of contract. Claims made under the 1994 Order must be brought within three months of termination of the contract giving rise to
Modern Slavery Act 2015: large businesses to publish slavery and human trafficking statement
In March this year, the Government introduced the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to tackle slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking in England and Wales.
Court finds guidance on affordable housing planning obligations unlawful
The High Court has taken the unusual step of interfering with Government policy in West Berkshire District Council and another v Department for Communities and Local Government.
Using the FTT’s Rules to Manage Disputes
In our last edition we set out some of the new rules which apply to the First Tier Property Tribunal (FTT), following its introduction in place of the LVT.
Recovering the Costs of Preparing s146 Notices
Where a leaseholder has breached the terms of their lease (other than non-payment of rent) the landlord can serve a notice under s.146 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1925 giving a reasonable period of time for the leaseholder to respond regarding remedying the breach, if it is capable of being remedied.
Reasonableness of Service Charges for Improvements
Whether works or services provided by a landlord can be recharge to leaseholders is a matter of the construction of the lease.