We are delighted to welcome Graham Jewell to our Company and Commercial Department. Graham joins us as an Associate with a wealth of experience and is based at our Petersfield office. Kevin Smith, Partner and Head of Company and ...
Television programmes like Homes Under the Hammer have raised the profile of property auctions. Although auctions still only account for two per cent of all property sales, some experts believe this proportion will rise. In an ...
When Aretha Franklin died in August 2018 her family initially believed she had not made a will. Certainly nothing had been prepared by her lawyer. It was not until months later while clearing out her home that three handwritten ...
Matthew Archer, commercial property specialist in our commercial department, has recently helped his client, Liphook Day Centre, secure a much reduced rent allowing the centre to remain open for elderly members of the community. This ...
Hot on the heels of changes in relation to stamp duty land tax, from 1 June landlords face another set of new rules under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. This includes obligations relating to deposits, charges and membership of client ...
Below we consider 10 points that should be considered prior to terminating someone’s employment. 1. Reason. Although it appears obvious to consider at the outset what is the reason for the dismissal, it is ...
This month has seen judgment handed down in the High Court case of Andrew Guest v David Guest and Josephine Guest, which is the latest in a line of farming proprietary estoppel cases, following Gillet v Holt, Thorner v Major and ...
At MacDonald Oates we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the best possible service. We seek feedback from our clients on a regular basis and following a review of all completed feedback forms returned in 2018 we are ...
Under the Equality Act an employer must take such steps as are reasonable where a provision, criterion or practice (PCP) puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with those who are not disabled. This ...
From the hire of company cars to the shipping of goods, the term ‘bailment’ encapsulates one of the most common forms of legal relationship for those operating a business. Patrick Jenkins, commercial dispute resolution expert in our ...
Quick reference: Rates and Limits A guide to the current rates and limits. Most of the rates set out below are updated yearly. Maternity, paternity and adoption From 7 April 2019 Statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay £148.68 ...
MacDonald Oates LLP are delighted to announce that our Tim Melville-Walker, head of our family department, has been appointed a Deputy District Judge in the latest round of judicial appointments. A Deputy District Judge deals with ...
We take a look at the current protection for workers under the whistleblowing protection The Employment Rights Act prohibits dismissal or detrimental treatment because a worker has raised a protected and qualified disclosure. In order ...
There are many reasons you might need access to your neighbour’s land to repair or maintain your property and it can be difficult to know what to do if your request for access is refused. The general rule is that to go onto someone ...
News for the New Year MacDonald Oates LLP has undergone an extensive recruitment campaign with 7 new fee earners joining the firm over the past few months and with further recruitment planned to continue into the New Year. This drive ...
In this recent case, Lamb v The Garrard Academy UKEAT/0042/18 , it highlights the complex area of disability discrimination and the knowledge of the employer. Employers should seek medical advice for those employees on long term ...
We are proud to have sponsored the first ‘Glow Ride’ in Denmead. It was held on Friday 28th December in Denmead to highlight the need for us to be seen on our bikes in the dark and was organised by Terri Bryant of Body ...
It is the season when some businesses are planning their office Christmas party and a time for employers and employees to relax and enjoy themselves. However, responsible employers will have to give some consideration to their ...
When an employee is absent through illness, one thing that can be forgotten is the right to holiday. Firstly, a worker accrues holiday even whilst absent through illness. This is especially important to remember if a worker is absent ...
Addison Lee Ltd v Lange and ors is the latest case looking at status, which is whether someone is self-employed, a worker or an employee. Background Addison Lee Limited is a professional private hire firm, using about 4,000 drivers to ...
What is probate and when would I need it? When somebody dies, sometimes it is necessary for you to apply for a grant of representation to be able to deal with the deceased’s assets – this is known as applying for probate. Whether ...
When advising small to medium size businesses, it is common for such businesses not to realise how much employment legislation is based around the appropriate procedure having taken place. It is not just the reason why you do ...