The Importance Of Having A Power Of Attorney

Powers of attorney are useful if you need someone to make decisions on your behalf.  This may just be temporary (for example, to ensure that bills are paid if you were in hospital) or more long-term (for example, if you have been diagnosed with dementia). What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions for you.  There are two types of LPA, 'Property and Financial Affairs' and 'Health and Welfare', and you can create one or both.  The Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your chosen attorneys to operate your finances, for example to mange your bank accounts and pay bills.  The attorney can act while they have mental capacity (if you consent) but also if you lose mental capacity. A…

Developments In Employment Law And Changes Expected In April 2018

There have been some significant cases in employment law recently, with further developments expected this year as several ongoing cases work their way through the appeals system.  There are also increases to pay rates and new rules on tax and national insurance contributions due to come into effect in April. Gillian Reid, employment law specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton summarises some of the recent cases of note concerning the gig economy and entitlement to paid holiday and provides an overview of the expected April changes. Gig economy Cases affecting the rights of individuals working in the gig economy hit the headlines in 2017, as individuals described as self-employed sought to argue the right to be recognised as workers with entitlement to certain employment rights, including paid holiday. These cases…

How To Reduce Sickness Absence At Work

The average British worker takes 4.4 days' sickness absence every year and minor illnesses such as coughs and colds are often cited as the reason.  However, more days are lost on average to more serious complaints such as back, neck and muscle pain. High levels of sickness absence can lead to reduced production, low staff morale, increased costs and poor customer service.  For small employers in particular this can be very disruptive.  Gillian Reid employment law solicitor at Ware & Kay in York, Wetherby & Malton advises what steps you can take to reduce sickness absence within your organisation. Sickness absence policy You should have a sickness absence policy in place so that employees understand what is expected of them.  It should set out your arrangements for sick pay and for reporting and managing sickness…

What You Need To Know About Employing Foreign Nationals Or Helping A Foreign National To Set Up Business In The Uk

Many businesses rely on foreign nationals to fill skills shortages in the UK and to help get new ventures off the ground. However, recent measures aimed at reducing net migration may make this more complicated going forward.  For businesses reliant on foreign workers, the time has come to consider if the costs of recruiting outside of the UK outweigh the benefits. Gillian Reid, employment lawyer at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton looks at the rules on employing foreign nationals, obtaining a business visa and setting up a business in the UK.  She also looks at how to challenge decisions refusing foreign nationals entry to the UK or permission to remain. Employing foreign nationals You can employ many categories of non-UK nationals without special permission. These include those with indefinite leave to…

Making Your Wishes Clear In 2018

For many of us, the start of a New Year is an opportunity to remember the events of the previous year and to consider plans for the future. Whilst it probably wouldn't be the first thing you think of, it may also be a good time to think about making a Will for the first time or reviewing an existing Will. Some of the reasons you may want to think about your Will are: To avoid the intestacy rules (which provide for certain relatives to benefit when someone dies without a Will) - for example, to benefit an unmarried partner To make sure your personal belongings go to the people you choose To appoint guardians for minor children To leave a gift to a charity Inheritance tax planning   If you already have…

Cohabitation Awareness Week

Hundreds of unmarried couples in York & Yorkshire are at risk of losing everything if the relationship breaks down. Robert Bellhouse, Family Solicitor at Ware & Kay has called on unmarried couples in York & the Yorkshire area to take action to protect themselves, as they could be vulnerable if the relationship breaks down. Robert Bellhouse Family Solicitor from Ware & Kay made the call as part of a national Cohabitation Awareness Week that is being led by Resolution, who campaign for a fairer family justice system. Cohabitation Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about the lack of rights that exist for unmarried couples who live together. There are about 7 million people in the UK living in this type of relationship, making this the fastest growing family type in the country. Robert explained that…

Ware & Kay Solicitors Sponsors Tadcaster Albion Football Club

Ware & Kay are delighted to be supporting Tadcaster Albion Football Club once again by sponsoring their forthcoming fixture against Skelmersdale United on Saturday 21st October. Ware & Kay have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Tadcaster Albion over the years.  As well as sponsoring the match Ware & Kay have also shown their commitment by purchasing a Ware & Kay brand board for the perimeter of the football field throughout the 2017-2018 season. Tadcaster Albion Football Club Manager, Michael Morton said "We would like to thank Ware & Kay for sponsoring the game against Skelmersdale United.  This is a great example of a local club and local business working together for the benefit of local sport.  Our squad are all working hard and hopefully we can put together positive results, starting with Saturday's match. …

Ware & Kay Sponsored Tadcaster Albion

Ware & Kay supported Tadcaster Albion Football Club by sponsoring the fixture against Skelmersdale United on Saturday 21st October.  Unfortunately Tadcaster Albion lost only their second home game in the Evo-Stik North this season, as they were beaten 2-1 in a hard-fought match. David Hyams, Director for Ware & Kay who chose Pete Davidson as the man of match said "We were thrilled to accept the opportunity to sponsor Tadcaster Albion and had a great afternoon.  The team really did well but despite some clear-cut chances to equalise Tadcaster Albion lost their home game.  We certainly wish the team and the rest of the club every success in the future and will be following their progress closely."

Challenges Of The Festive Season An Employer`s Guide

Goodwill may be in short supply when you start to receive a flurry of holiday requests for the Christmas and New Year period or if winter travel disruption leaves you short staffed. The Christmas party could also end in more than just a hangover if clashes between co-workers result in claims of assault, if unwanted attention leads to allegations of sexual harassment or posts on social media damage your reputation. Gillian Reid, employment law specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton explains how planning ahead for the festive period can help to reduce any risks to your business. Holiday requests Some employers take a first come, first served approach to holiday requests for the festive period, but this may not be seen as the fairest approach, particularly if you also have…

Disability In The Workplace

Employment tribunal claims for disability discrimination can lead to the imposition of huge financial penalties for employers.  It therefore pays to be aware of your responsibilities to disabled persons under the Equality Act 2010. From determining whether it is discriminatory to ask a job applicant about their health and abilities, through justifying a refusal to allow a disabled worker to opt out of shift working, to dismissing a disabled employee for high rates of disability related absence - consideration of the law relating to disability discrimination is needed at all stages of the employee life-cycle. Gillian Reid, Employment Law Specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton , outlines the key principles and ways to reduce the risk of claims. What is a disability? For the purposes of the Equality Act, a…