Government Introduces New Legislation For Carers The government will introduce a new statutory right of up to one week of unpaid leave for carers. This legislation resulted from the 2020 consultation, which recognised the challenge of juggling work and caring responsibilities. Reasoning behind the legislation The Conservative party addressed several workplace inequalities in its 2019 [...]
The Whiplash Reforms: are they working? The government's online portal, 'Official Injury Claim' (OIC) went live at the end of May. The portal covers low-value injury claims caused by road traffic accidents on or after 31st May 2021, where compensation for injuries is under £5000. Anyone can use the OIC without legal advice. However, the [...]
Government starts consultation on making flexible working the default position In 2019, the government committed to supporting flexible working and, subject to consultation, introducing measures to help ‘make flexible working the default’ unless employers have good reasons not to. On the 23rd of September 2021, in the wake of COVID-19, the Department for Business, Energy, [...]
The Age Of Digital Divorce Covid-19 shifted most aspects of our lives online. Divorce proceedings were no exception. Although many in-person services have now resumed, digital divorces remain the way forward. The divorce process became paper-free on the 13th of September 2021. HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) made it compulsory for legal representatives to [...]
The events of the last year have of course given rise to well-documented stories of personal tragedy and hardship. However, there has been one unintended consequence of the situation that has started to receive more attention as we progressively move towards a more normal time. Official figures have shown that gross savings as a proportion [...]
A Fond Farewell to Valued Colleagues & Friends Outstanding contribution. Time stands still for nobody and that truism is confirmed as we announce the retirement of two SRB colleagues and friends, Iain Leslie and Richard Steer. Both have now decided to enjoy the pleasures of well-earned retirement after collectively serving our clients for 50 [...]
Family Mediation Week | 18th-22nd January 2021 Taking place from 18-22 January 2021, Family Mediation Week aims to raise awareness of mediation and how it can help separating families manage their issues collaboratively and productively. www.familymediationweek.org.uk
As the end of Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme approaches fast (31st October 2020), we focus here on the option that employers have of using a settlement agreement in order to manage their workforce requirements when faced with the uncertain economic effect of Covid-19. We also look at settlement agreements here from the point of [...]
No-fault Divorces in England and Wales The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has passed in the House of Commons. Under the proposed law, the reason for Divorce will be simplified to the marriage has broken down irretrievably, rather than explaining this is the case by alleging adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, separation for five years [...]
The Co-Parent Hub The Hub is a resource for parents created by Children and Family CourtAdvisory and Support Service (Cafcass), The Ministry of Justice and OnePlusOne. Parents can find information about Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP), “Getting It Right for Children” Programme, create Parenting Plans and information to support families during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions [...]