Changes in employment law and Brexit

Brexit has dominated the agenda and so, when it comes to introducing new employment law, April 2019 is unusually quiet compared to previous years. However, as Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby explains, the government has found time for a few changes. Gill also outlines the anticipated effect of Brexit on UK employment law and the implications for EU workers in the UK. April 2019 changes Employers need to be ready for changes which are expected to come into effect from the following dates: 1 April 2019 increase in the national living wage for workers aged 25 and over from £7.83 to £8.21 per hour; increase in the national minimum wage for workers aged at least 21 but under 25 from £7.38 to £7.70 per hour; increase in…

Is your Will as tax efficient as it can be?

Nobody likes to pay any more tax than is necessary. We can help you to ensure your Will is as tax efficient as possible. Inheritance Tax (IHT) IHT is charged on your death at 40% on the value of your assets which exceed your tax allowances. Individuals currently have a nil rate band (NRB) allowance (of £325,000. In April 2017, an additional allowance was made available if your family home is left to your Direct Descendants. This additional allowance is called the residence nil rate band (RNRB) Rate of RNRB The RNRB is currently worth an extra £150,000 and it will be increased to £175,000 from 6th April 2020. It is not available for estates of over £2.2 million. However any unused RNRB can be carried forward for use in the estate of a surviving spouse…

Preparing for diversification and avoiding disputes in the future

Not surprisingly, there are various legal issues that need to be considered by landowners before embarking upon your diversification scheme. Johanne Spittle FALA and head of litigation at Ware & Kay solicitors explains that top of your list should be checking whether there are any restrictions that might limit possible use of your land and access to it.  Access It is common for farms and agricultural land to be accessed along private roads or tracks. If use of this road is required for the diversification project, for example to access the proposed farm shop or your commercial development, it will be necessary to establish ownership of the road or rights granted over it at the outset. If access is required over a road or track that is owned by a neighbouring landowner and over which you…

Avoiding pitfalls of unregistered land

More than 85 per cent of land in England and Wales is now registered with HM Land Registry; however large swathes of rural farmland remain unregistered. Land is often farmed by the same family for years and therefore no ‘trigger event’ arises which would require first registration. Our Residential Property experts at Pearsons & Ward Solicitors in Malton explain when it is compulsory to register unregistered land and outlines the benefits and the pitfalls for those who do not. When you should register All land or property must be registered with HM Land Registry if you have: purchased it; been given land or property as a gift; inherited any land or property; leased it for more than seven years; received it in exchange for other property or land; or had it mortgaged. Farmers should…

Preparing for diversification and avoiding disputes in the future

Not surprisingly, there are various legal issues that need to be considered by landowners before embarking upon your diversification scheme. Johanne Spittle FALA and head of litigation at Ware & Kay solicitors explains that top of your list should be checking whether there are any restrictions that might limit possible use of your land and access to it. Access It is common for farms and agricultural land to be accessed along private roads or tracks. If use of this road is required for the diversification project, for example to access the proposed farm shop or your commercial development, it will be necessary to establish ownership of the road or rights granted over it at the outset. If access is required over a road or track that is owned by a neighbouring landowner and over which you…

Protecting your farm with a Will

The family farm usually represents a lifetime’s work of those currently running it and even those before them. Making sure that the farm is trading well and structured properly to take advantage of any agricultural and business inheritance tax reliefs available ready to be passed down to future generations is a key concern for many farmers. However, unless you have left a valid Will, the delicate balance of ensuring that all your loved ones are cared for after you are gone, while still guaranteeing the continued well-being of the farm, could be put in jeopardy. Laura Carter, Wills and Probate Solicitor and agricultural law specialist at Pearsons & Ward Solicitors in Malton explains why it is essential for every farmer to have a Will to ensure their farming business continues to flourish for future generations…

Short term lettings : avoiding the pitfalls

Empty property is bad news for landlords. It costs money in maintenance and rates, as well as being a possible target for vandals and squatters. To maximise income from property, landlords may wish to seize opportunities for short-term lettings to fill gaps between long-term arrangements. But as Andrew Little, commercial property expert with Pearsons & Ward Solicitors in Malton explains, it is vital to get the paperwork right. ‘If a potential tenant wants to get into your property and start trading and paying rent immediately, you may be tempted to skip the formal paperwork, but this can lead to real problems as business tenants can quickly acquire the right to stay on, which could get in the way of your long-term plans for the property’ explains Andrew. ‘The good news is that your solicitor can very…

New Head of Wills & Probate at Ware & Kay Solicitors

Leading Law Firm, Ware & Kay Solicitors has announced that Sian Foster, Solicitor has been promoted to Head of its Wills & Probate Team at its York office. This promotion is part of the firm’s ongoing strategy for the future.

Marrying things up to help your farm survive

Remarrying when you own or rent a farm can raise a number of issues that need to be addressed, particularly if your longer-term plan is to pass the farm onto your children or someone else within your immediate family.  In this article we explain the steps you can take to increase the likelihood of a farm surviving a second marriage. Be clear on your new spouse’s involvement and rights If your new spouse is likely to become involved in the farm business then it is important to make it clear in what capacity.  For example, will they be a paid employee with little or no input into the decision-making process or will they assume a more significant role entitling them to have their say and to share in the profits? If you are already running the farm…

Wetherby put on a classy display against title chasing Goole - 6th April, 2019

Michael Peach (Ware & Kay) with Danny Warden (First Team Captain) From left – Ian Arundel (Chairman), Michael Peach (Director, Ware & Kay) & Jonathan Hirst (Committee member) Man of the Match – Myles Oates (Wetherby) & Michael Peach