How To Get On The Property Ladder If You’re A First Time Buyer
There are several schemes available to first time buyers wanting to buy their first property. Shared Ownership These schemes are provided through local housing associations. In a shared ownership, you buy a percentage share of your home, ranging from 25-75% with a mortgage and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share. This reduces the…
Travel Disruptions and Employment Law
Are employees entitled to pay if adverse weather disrupts travel? By UK law, employees are not automatically entitled to pay if they are unable to get to work due to travel disruptions or bad weather. If your employer deducted your pay, you would possibly have the right to bring a claim on the basis of…
LPA Requirements
An LPA enables you to choose a trusted person to make financial or healthcare related decisions on your behalf, should you lose mental capacity. However, you need mental capacity to initially set up a LPA. Mental capacity is the capability to make specific significant decisions. There are two kinds of LPA; financial and healthcare. Financial…
What is the Law for Young Offenders?
What is age of criminal responsibility? The age of criminal responsibility is 10 in England and Wales. Children under 10 cannot be arrested or charged with a crime. Children between 10 and 17 can be arrested and taken to court (dependent upon the severity of the crime committed). Children are subject to specific sentencing guidelines,…
Royal Mail Breaches Competition Law, Fined £50m By UK Communications Regulators Ofcom
The investigation initially followed a complaint made by Whistl (previously known as TNT) in 2014. Whistl intended to enter the wholesale mail delivery market, and stated that Royal Mail had abused its dominant market position. A £50m fine was issued to Royal Mail by the regulator, for breaches of competition law and discrimination against its…
Cybercrime Set To Double By 2020
With the rise of the internet, organised crime has quickly taken advantage of opportunities online. Cybercrime targets individuals, businesses of all sizes and corporate networks. The ranges of personal criminal offences encompass the harvesting of data (phishing), identity theft, hacking, financial crime and the distribution of indecent and extreme material. For businesses, hacking and Distributed…
Schoolgirl Awarded £15,000 in Damages for Sexual Harassment
A teenage schoolgirl wins £15,000 in damages for sexual harassment after she was targeted by her boss at Pizza Hut, in Stratford East London. The 16 year old teenager had taken on her first ever job at Pizza Hut in 2016, working 10 hours per week as a receptionist. Employment Judge Catrin Lewis described the…
Revival of Oldest Street in Leeds Kirkgate
Plans have now been submitted to revive Leeds oldest street; Kirkgate. The transformation of Leeds oldest street has been submitted by Think Architecture and features include new build apartments, a new public square, and a new pedestrianised street featuring retail and leisure space for independent businesses. Paul Nathan-Geary of Geary & Associates, advising Cityfusion, stated:…
Erb’s Palsy Group Picnic in the Park 2018
In celebration of their 25th Anniversary the Erb’s Palsy Group had a picnic in the park on Sunday 19th August. They decided to have a picnic as they wanted to refocus on the original remit of their family events which was to provide an opportunity for families to meet, socialise, share experiences and forge friendships….
Online Pharmacy Doctor-4-U Sells Opioids to False Repetitive Buyers, Fuelling Addicts Through Legal Loopholes
A number of online pharmacies have no alert systems to identify fake profiles made by someone making multiple repeated prescription orders to the same address. This means that addicts are seeking new alternatives to enable drug usage; people are taking advantage of this loophole- ordering hundreds of pills a month. Customers are able to make…
A Non-for-profit organisation seeks tech sector whistle-blowers; offering a witness protection programme
Whistle-blowers are now being offered a witness protection scheme, to aid and expose wrongdoings made in the tech industry. The Signals Network works with a global network of journalists, providing assistance to potential whistle blowers. The purpose is to ensure that large organisations and corporations can be investigated. The non-for-profit founder Giles Raymond stated it…
New NHS Guidance Could Save 600 Stillborn Babies Each Year
According to a recent article by the Telegraph, 600 babies could be saved from stillbirth each year in the UK under new NHS guidance. This guidance is known as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle. It seeks to increase monitoring of babies throughout pregnancy by intervening to reduce cigarette smoking, detecting small babies, informing women…
Ison Harrison Visits Nell Bank Centre in Ilkley
Ilkley branch manger Iain Oliver and Trainee Solicitor Jess Bourke in association with Ilkley’s Rotary Club visited the Nell Bank activity centre at the end of last month. Nell Bank provides day and residential experiences for schools and community groups across the full age and ability range. The centre is aimed at under privileged, able…
Why Leaving A Will Is Important When You Have Children From Different Relationships
Having an up to date will is always important to be assured that your loved ones are taken care of. It is especially important for couples and cohabitants who have children from different relationships, as this can complicate matters when you die. Creating a will allows you to ensure that you can adequately provide for…
Rise in UK Modern Day Slave Trade
The Crown Prosecution Service has published figures showing a 27% rise in the past year of modern slavery offences and charges. Referrals from police to the CPS regarding modern slavery reports have also rose by 31%. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders stated that CPS are working in partnership with police to ensure they build…
Illegal Waste Disguised As Plastic Sent Back to UK from Poland
A shipment of illegal waste disguised as plastic and shipped to Poland, is now being sent back to the UK. Greenpeace’s new investigative journalist platform Unearthed, reported that the UK Environmental Agency are working with Polish Authorities to return the 1,000 tons of waste A criminal investigation now proceeds with three UK companies. The freight…
We’re Supporting Injury Prevention Day – 15th August
Today is Injury Prevention Day, a time to raise awareness around safety initiatives and avoid needless injuries. This year’s focus is on vehicle headrests and ensuring they are properly adjusted. The campaign is spearheaded by APIL, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. As an APIL member, we are committed to seeking reforms to improve the…
Caesarean (C-Section) Claims – What You Need To Know
It may be that you have been advised by your doctor to have a caesarean to deliver your baby, or you may have chosen an elective caesarean instead. If you feel you have been advised incorrectly or a caesarean section has resulted in injury to yourself or your baby, you may be entitled to make…
Tenants Are At Risk Of Losing Their Home If They Sublet With AirBnB
Tenants are in danger of losing their homes if they sublet. Writer and actor Leo Cassini used Airbnb to let a spare room in his central London apartment, which he had rented for 13 years. Leo explained that a work project had failed, and he subsequently used Airbnb to tide him over financially. Leo stated…
Legal Aid Cut Revoked for Criminal Defence Lawyers
On Friday, the latest round of Legal Aid cuts which had seen legal aid lawyers fees capped were revoked following a legal challenge in the High Court. The reduction in fees which was implemented in December 2017 was ruled to be ‘unfair, flawed and irrational’. The cuts reduced the fees for criminal lawyers defending suspects…
How Will You Be Affected By The Latest Interest Rate Rise?
We knew it was coming and yesterday it finally happened. The Bank of England has raised the base interest rate from 0.5% to 0.75%, in a move widely expected ever since the first rise in ten years that came in November 2017. At that time, the interest rate rise was seen as a way to…
What Does The Law Say About Leaving Kids Home Alone During Summer Holidays?
By Law, are parents allowed to leave kids home alone during the holidays? The six week summer holiday has rolled around for our children once again. For many families this is a carefree joyous period, no different than any other part of the year. Whilst for others, this time will be difficult to manage. Juggling…
World Day Against Human Trafficking – 30th July 2018
World Day Against Human Trafficking is an annual event held today, 30th July. People trafficking and modern day slavery is a worldwide issue, with few countries immune. The event held by the United Nations aims to continue to raise awareness and increase prevention. In correspondence to this, West Yorkshire Police and National Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has spoken…
Buying A New Build Property Advice
Buying A New Build Property Advice New build homes are often seen as the perfect option when seeking to buy a property, particularly if you are a first time buyer or don’t have a lot of money or time to spend on home improvements. Benefits Of Buying A New Build Property There will be no…
Jury Inquest at Wakefield Coroners Court concludes that Spencer James Walker died as a result of an accident
The jury heard that on the 3rd October 2016 Spencer James Walker, 12 from South Elmsall was out with friends when he climbed upon the canopy of Kirkbridge Footbridge which crosses the East Coast Railway Lines. He managed to pass the protective spikes and gain access to the roof of the cage. Spencer then climbed…
Boundary Dispute Resolution Boost Still Some Time Away
Boundary disputes can be quite distressing for all involved. They often evolve as a result of long-standing resentment or disagreement left over from other disputes, or because of a general dislike between neighbours. Otherwise, a simple boundary dispute can be quite straightforward to resolve if the neighbours get on well and one or both are…
Advice For Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave
Advice For Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave Going back to work after maternity leave can be a daunting prospect. Mentally, childbirth can be a very challenging period for the mother and the idea of working again may not feel as appealing as it did when you left to have your baby. There can…
I want to leave my estate to charity instead of my children. Can this be done?
The dividing of an estate can be complex and troubling to deal with, even if wishes are documented in a valid Will. Emotions can run high; disputes over an estate can erupt within the closest of families. It is vital that property contained in your Will is processed appropriately, to avoid future problems arising. Some…
Britain Facing Dementia Crisis Over LPA Shortfall
Around 12 million Britons are ‘sleepwalking’ towards a dementia crisis because they have taken no steps in appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA), according to a recent report. An LPA ensures your wishes are looked after in the event of you losing mental capacity in later life, by appointing a trusted person to control…
Ison Harrison Supports Former Client In Charity Bike Ride
Ison Harrison Supports Former Client In Charity Bike Ride Establishing a reputation as one of the leading solicitors in Yorkshire doesn’t just come through successfully representing our clients. At Ison Harrison we pride ourselves on implementing a customer care policy that leaves a lasting impression on our clients, and a great example of this is…
Ison Harrison Sponsors Charlie’s Charity Ball
Ison Harrison has agreed to be a headline sponsor for the upcoming Charlie’s Charity Ball & Awards 2018, a special fundraising event on September 29th being staged by the Charlie’s Angels Centre Foundation. The charity is dedicated to helping bereaved parents and families to cope with the loss of their children. In areas of our…
Stable Businesses: Licensing for Riding Schools
Sometimes a lifelong passion turns into a career, which usually tends to be the case for those deciding to teach others to ride. Offering tuition for any sport involves rules and regulations, and horse riding is no different. Here, we offer an outline of the key points to have in mind. Is there a legal…
Things to consider when buying a property at auction
Buying property at auction is an exciting method of a purchase but it comes with its own unique risks. Here are five matters to consider but remember, this list is not exhaustive! This blog looks at buying at a traditional auction. A further piece on buying through a modern auction method will follow. 1. Do…
Yunus Lunat joins Acas HR Masterclass Conference 2018
Our head of Employment Law Department Yunus Lunat, will be joining the Acas HR Masterclass Conference 2018, advising on workplace inclusivity: “Beyond Diversity- what real inclusion in the work place looks like.” Yunus is a long standing member here at Ison Harrison Solicitors, and has more than 15 years’ experience, specialising in inclusivity in the…
£13,000 Spider Bite
A long serving British Airways flight steward, Terry O’Driscoll has recently won £13,000 in damages, after being bitten by a US spider whilst working on a long haul flight. It is thought that Terry had been bitten by a brown recluse spider in May 2013. This happened whilst at work, in the staff resting area…
Legal Aid in Family Law Cases
In the past, Legal Aid was available for all types of family law matters. This changed in 2013, when new rules were introduced. We often receive enquiries which ask if Legal Aid can be obtained for a particular issue, and so here Gillian Colquhoun, a Solicitor in our Family Legal Aid department, takes a look…
New Litigation Partner Joins Huddersfield Branch
A new litigation Partner, John Burnett, has joined our Huddersfield branch. John’s appointment is the first time we have recruited a member of staff at Partner level to join one of our outer branches, which highlights John’s level of experience and seniority at the firm. John previously worked at Schofield Sweeney solicitors and has been…
Gosport Hospital Report Reveals 456 Patients Died From Opioids Prescribed Without Justification
A report has been published today which has concluded that 456 patients died at Gosport War Memorial Hospital since 1989 as a result of “administering opioids without medical justification”. A further 200 patients may also have died as a result from the sedative medication misuse but records were missing in those cases. The report has openly…
Reflecting On The Kind Hearts Give Back Ball 2018
Kind Hearts Give Back is a charity that was founded in 2014 and aims to raise funds to help recovering cancer victims. Their annual ball is always a popular event and the 2018 ball helped to generate nearly £28,000 which was donated to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, Teenage Cancer Trust and Cancer Research UK. We…
Debilitating Pelvic Pain Following Child Birth -Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
It is estimated that SPD/PGP affects as many as 1 in 5 pregnant women to some extent. It is not harmful to your baby, but it can cause severe pain around your pelvic area including your lower back. Pain can also radiate to your thighs and some women feel or hear clicking or grinding in…
Welcome to Holland Poem: Raising A Child With Additional Needs
The Clinical Negligence team at Ison Harrison Solicitors work with families who are raising children with special needs and disabilities. Due to the nature of our work, their disabilities were often avoidable and caused by negligent care by medical professionals. We know that this can be extremely difficult to come to terms with and getting the…
Case Study: Extravasation Injury – Mr C v The Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Mr C attended Leeds General Infirmary on 5 August 2016 for a CT scan with contrast to determine the cause of haematuria (presence of blood in urine). As part of the procedure, a peripheral cannula needed to be inserted for the intravenous injection of dye and saline. Two nurses attended to him, but only one…
Court permits a Defendant to re-open a dishonesty defence despite claim being discontinued
A recent decision of the Court shows the importance of ensuring that claims are not brought dishonestly. The High Court has ordered that a fundamental dishonesty defence against a teenage Road Traffic Accent claimant and the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling should be determined even though they had discontinued their claim….
We’re Celebrating Our 40th Birthday With A BIG Campaign! #TheBig40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ison Harrison and we’re going to make sure it’s a special celebration, not just for us, but for 40 local charities too! #TheBig40 campaign will see us donating 40 gifts to 40 charities within our region in a digitally-driven campaign we’re launching on 12th June. Nominations for local charities…
Elderly People Suffering as a Consequence of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence involving elderly people can be very serious, even leading to death in some cases. Problems can occur when elderly people aren’t able to voice concerns about health issues. They often feel unable or scared to speak out, or confused and upset about what is happening to them. Many have complex medical histories, and…
Bosses Put More Strain on NHS Resources with “Impossible” New Directive
Cases of clinical negligence within the NHS could be on the increase as hospital bosses have admitted that a new patient check-up edict will be “impossible” to fulfil. A letter from regulators NHS England and NHS Improvement to hospital bosses, sent in early March, has been ridiculed for its insistence that every inpatient should be…
Ison Harrison Holds Key Advice Session for the Windrush Generation
The Windrush scandal is the latest news topic that everyone has been talking about over the last few weeks, and Ison Harrison is here to offer advice and assistance on the matter. Since the Windrush debate started in April, many people have raised concerns over whether they will be affected by the errors made. Ison…
NHS Breast Cancer Screening Blunder – Have You Been Affected?
The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has said that up to 270 women in England may have died because they did not receive invitations to a final breast cancer screening due to a computer error. 450,000 women aged 68-71 failed to get invitations since 2009. Of those 450,000 women, 309,000 are still alive. All of those…
NHS Trust Recalls More Than 2,500 Neurology Patients Following Potential Misdiagnosis
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have recalled more than 2,500 neurology patients, including children, amid concerns they may have been mis-diagnosed by Dr Michael Watt. The Ulster Independent Clinic has also confirmed Dr Watt operated a private practice there until June 2017. Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment…
New HSE Statistics Highlight the Risks of Health and Safety at Work
One of our busiest departments at Ison Harrison is the Personal Injury Department. Our success in representing clients reflects our team’s extensive experience, gained in no small part due to the sheer number of personal injury cases that occur every year and the clients approaching us as a result. Negligence can occur and result in…