Coronavirus Update

Following the latest Government announcement of a second national lockdown for England, we wish to reassure all of our clients and contacts that it is business as usual. We have robust plans in place to minimise any disruption and will continue to operate as normal whilst also protecting our clients, our staff and the wider community. We are committed to supporting our clients and contacts throughout this period whilst monitoring updates and following Government advice.  We have plans in place that enable us to continue serving our clients and contacts including equipping our staff for home-working. All our clients will be able to maintain contact with our staff via telephone and email however, we have decided for everyone’s protection that we are unable to make client appointments at any of our offices from Thursday 5th November. …

Keeping your workforce agile and within the law

The viability of many businesses is on a knife-edge and flexibility in scaling the workforce up or down at short notice has become increasingly important. For many employers, keeping their workforce as flexible as possible will be essential for their future. However, the law around zero-hours contracts, self-employment, personal service companies and agency workers is complex, and now is the time to take stock of your current arrangements. Gillian Reid, Head of Employment with Ware & Kay outlines how to manage the risks and obligations of the different options for a flexible workforce. Self-employed contractors: watch out for employment rights Contracting with a self-employed individual may seem like a low-risk option, without adding to the overheads. However, even if you and the individual initially agree that they are self-employed, an employment tribunal may see things differently…

Registered and unregistered land, what is the difference?

There are two systems of recording ownership of land in England and Wales; registered and unregistered.  Whether your land is registered or unregistered can have a major impact, and not only when you come to sell. Holly Stevens, Head of Residential Property with Ware & Kay in York, considers the implications. Registered land, an overview The Land Registry keeps a register of all registered land, which is indexed on a map. This register contains information on approximately 24 million properties.  Within this overall register, the Land Registry allocates properties their own unique number and individual register.  Each individual register includes three sections: the ‘proprietor register’, which contains ownership information; the ‘property register’, which contains a description of the property, linked to a map; and the ‘charges register’, which contains details of any mortgages or charges…

Redeveloping an empty pub for commercial use

Pubs are closing all too often nowadays and while this is a sad sight, it means there may be opportunities to find a new use for one as a commercial development project.  If an empty pub is well-located, it could make an ideal setting for a new business, such as a care home, convenience store, or flexible workspace.  As well as negotiating, buying and redeveloping the building itself, you will need to get to grips with planning permission and other regulatory requirements for your proposed new business.  You will need contracts with professional advisers, including surveyors and architects, and with building contractors.  Once the building is operational you will need a lease with an operator.  ‘As your commercial property solicitor we will be key in bringing this complex project to fruition, and the sooner we are…