What are the legal issues for retail landlords and tenants over the Christmas period?

For most retailers, Christmas is the busiest trading period of the year and with the challenges facing the High Street many will be taking every opportunity to maximise their revenue. However, it is important that tenants and landlords consider their lease and other obligations when planning their Christmas trading activities: Pop-up shops: it is now common for landlords to fill empty space with ‘pop-up shops’ or bars and restaurants. It is important that they check whether planning permission is required and to ensure that the arrangement is properly documented. Although granting a licence to occupy may be convenient, a short term lease which is contracted out of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, possibly with an option to break, is a safer route. The building insurance policy should also be checked. Use: Leases…

Employee wellbeing: your responsibilities as an employer

Bowls of fresh fruit and mindfulness sessions are becoming increasingly common in the workplace as employers try to promote the wellbeing of their staff. A successful wellbeing strategy can improve employee attendance and  retention, as well as productivity.  It can also help shield you from compensation claims brought by employees for stress-related conditions which may be exacerbated by their work. Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby sets out an employer’s legal obligations for employee wellbeing and suggests initiatives for you to adopt. Stress at work Employers are under an obligation to protect their employees from the risk of injury while at work, including the risk of injury to their mental health caused by the development of depression and anxiety as a result of work-related stress.  Where it can be…

Agree Christmas arrangements for children now

Christmas is a magical time of the year for children. There is the anticipation of the presents they may receive, the relief of having a few weeks off school and the excitement of seeing friends and family. The hopes of what Christmas may bring are no different for the children of parents who have divorced or separated, yet lingering there in the background will be the worry of who they are going to spend Christmas with and whether the parent who misses out will be alright. To make sure your child has a wonderful and stress-free Christmas this year, Robert Bellhouse, family law expert with Ware & Kay Solicitors in York & Wetherby offers some useful tips to estranged parents trying to agree arrangements for their children over the festive period. 1. Plan ahead Talk to…

Taking your first commercial lease

Some of the world’s most successful companies have started at home or in a garage, but at some point it makes sense to move to business premises.  Committing to your first commercial lease is an important step in the life of a young business and as it is a binding legal contract, it is vital to get legal advice before you sign. ‘Premises will make up a significant part of your total business costs’ says Jacky Burton commercial property solicitor with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby, ‘so it is important to know exactly what you will be paying, your obligations and those of your landlord, and what flexibility you have if these premises no longer meet your needs.’ Your solicitor will explain everything and help ensure that you understand the long-term implications. The premises…