Age Discrimination In The Workplace

As school leavers and graduates compete with an aging population who need or want to work longer, there is an increasing risk to employers of employees bringing claims against them for age discrimination where they believe their career prospects have been adversely affected by how old they are. In this article, Gillian Reid, employment lawyer at Ware & Kay in York, Wetherby & Malton , outlines the main provisions of the law on age discrimination, contained in the Equality Act 2010, and explains the steps you, as an employer, can take to avoid falling foul of the rules. Discrimination in recruitment Job applicants are protected from age discrimination. Before publishing a job advert, you need to look carefully at the language you intend to use to check whether it might put off a potential candidate…

Hard Working Member Of Staff Celebrating After Qualifying As Solicitor

Ware & Kay Solicitors has added to its Wills and Probate Department newly-qualified Solicitor, Laura Green, who will based in the York office. Laura, 26, who is from Pocklington, has been with the firm for 4 years, and originally began working for Ware & Kay Solicitors in 2012. Laura said "I was thrilled when I heard I was being admitted as a Solicitor.  It has been hard work to get to this point but it has definitely paid off and I am looking forward moving on to the next stage of my career at Ware & Kay, with the support of lots of experienced lawyers around me. The firm is very keen to encourage staff development and has always been good at recognising the hard work and progress made by its employees. Over the years I…

Ready To Invest Here Is How To Get Started

If you're looking to get a better return from your money than you can from your bank account, then the time might be right to think about investing for the future. Before you begin, here are some golden rules to consider. HOLD SOME CASH You'll need to have ready access to a cash fund to cover everyday living expenses and unforeseen expenditure. Obviously, there's no point rushing into investment if you've got substantial debts or if you know you're going to have to make major financial commitments that will take up all your spare cash. A vital part of your financial planning must be providing adequately for retirement, not least because of the tax breaks available on pension contributions. DEFINE YOUR GOALS You need to be clear why you're investing and what your goals are…

Ware & Kay Solicitor Cycles For Charity

Michael Peach from Ware & Kay Solicitors Ltd and President of the Yorkshire Law Society is undertaking a "double-marathon" cycle ride of more than 52 miles on Sunday 17th August in order to raise money for Martin House. As President, Michael is combining his duties leading the solicitors of Yorkshire with running the Ware & Kay Wetherby office. One of his duties as President is to nominate the Society's Charity of the Year and Michael has chosen Martin House Children's Hospice near Wetherby as his chosen charity. Ware & Kay have been active supporters of Martin House for many years and Michael has taken time out of his busy working schedule as Director at Ware & Kay where he specialises in Commercial and Residential Property to visit the hospice. This has enabled him to understand…

Autumn 2016 Employment Law Update

This is a round-up of the main employment law changes that have recently come into effect, including those taking place from Autumn 2016.  Gillian Reid, Head of Employment at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York & Wetherby, outlines the main changes and the action you need to take as a result. National minimum wage rises The national minimum wage is reviewed every year and traditionally any increases come into force in the autumn.  The new hourly rates from 1 October 2016 are: adult rate (21 to 24): £6.95; youth development rate (18 to 20): £5.55; young workers' rate (16 and 17): £4.00; and apprentice rate: £3.40.   It is understood that these rate changes will only apply for six months because the government has decided to align all further changes with the national…

Ware & Kay Warriors Conquer The Major Series!

Ware & Kay Solicitors immersed themselves in muddy bogs, thick woods and river crossings in the Major Series on Sunday 16th October to raise money for York-based charity 'The Island'. The 14-strong platoon of troops named 'The Ware & Kay Warriors' led by "Field Marshall" Holly Stevens Residential Property Solicitor and "Lieutenant Colonel" Sian Foster Wills & Probate Solicitor strapped their boots on tight before embarking on a mud run like no other.  The team, who were at the peak of fitness, had all received personal training before negotiating the epic military-style 5k grueling mission. The Ware & Kay troops managed to raise £684 for The Island.  The charity provides a mentoring service to vulnerable young and disabled people in York.  The young people are linked with fully-trained volunteer mentors, who, by means of…

Brexit What Next For Employers

We are living in unprecedented times. The historic decision of the UK electorate  to leave the European Union, has resulted in a period of uncertainty about  the implications of Brexit for workers and businesses in the UK and their future relationship with the EU. A key concern is the impact on migrant workers. Currently, EU citizens can live and work in the UK without the need for work permits or visas.  Although Brexit might eventually mean an end or restrictions on this free movement of people, any changes are yet to be decided.  In the meantime, both employers and employees will be looking for reassurance for what it means for them. Gillian Reid, Head of Employment at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton , advises employers on what to expect and what…

Increased Tax Free Savings Opportunity

From the beginning of the 2017/18 tax year the amount that individuals are able to save into ISAs will increase from £15,240.00 to £20,000.00, an increase that was originally mentioned by George Osborne in the March 2016 Budget as a way "to further help savers at a time of unprecedentedly low interest rates". With interest rates so low what is the benefit of saving money into an ISA? Put simply, if you have to give less money to the taxman then you have more money to do with what you want, an ISA is one of the simplest ways to do this. In the current climate it is more important than ever for you to be able to benefit from any growth that your savings make. In addition to their tax free status, cash ISAs also…

Will Writing Campaign 17-28 October

Ware & Kay Solicitors & York Teaching Hospital Charity Will Writing Campaign 17-28 October About the YTHC Will Writing Campaign Ware & Kay Solicitors is working closely with The York Teaching Hospital Charity (YTHC) to give you the opportunity to have your Will written for FREE when you choose to remember the YTHC in your Will or make a donation on the day at our offices in York or Wetherby. The amount you choose to leave in your Will is entirely up to you. You could leave a set amount, a percentage of your estate or simply what is left once your family and friends have been taken care of. If you choose to make a donation on the day, YTHC are asking for a minimum donation of £120 for a single Will or £170…

Negotiating An Executive Severance Package

If you need to part company with a director, for the good of the business, it may not be appropriate to follow your disciplinary procedure.  Gillian Reid, Head of Employment in York & Wetherby, looks at the issues you should consider, especially if you need to achieve a quick exit with minimal disruption to the business and no publicity. Reason for the termination Two of the most common reasons for terminating a director's contract are poor performance, leading to the board losing confidence in the director, and a personality clash. You should first decide what the reason is for the exit, as it will have an impact on the claims the executive may have and therefore on the level of compensation you could have to pay.  For example, you must consider whether the director has…