Dramatic Or Justified? We Review The Proposed Personal Injury Reforms
A government commissioned report pointed out in 2003, there is usually ‘very little analysis of what the term compensation culture means, let alone proof that such a “culture” exists’. However, the absence of evidence to support a catchy phrase is not stopping the politicians using it to try and rush through massive changes to the industry…
Five New Partners Appointed at Ison Harrison Solicitors
We are delighted to announce that from January 2017 we will have five new partners joining the board at our law firm. These five people are driven, motivated and highly experienced individuals that have made a real impact at Ison Harrison and will continue to do so in their new appointments to the board. The…
Record Levels of Prison Suicides In 2016
Chronic overcrowding and staff shortages have been blamed for prison suicides reaching an all-time high in 2016. The prison reform charity, the Howard League for Penal Reform, has reported 102 known suicides this year, which is the highest figure since records began in 1978 (when just 18 were recorded). The previous highest figure was 94…
The Autumn Statement: What Our Lawyers Think
For a combination of reasons, the 2016 Autumn Statement attracted more interest than other, ‘average’ Autumn Statements. There was plenty of speculation and curiosity about what it might contain with the post-EU referendum economic conditions and a new Chancellor of the Exchequer, in Philip Hammond. Our solicitors have picked out six key points to explain…
#RoadSafetyWeek: Playing It Safe On The Roads
This week is Road Safety Week, the UK’s biggest road safety event. According to the Department for Transport, 1,732 people died on the UK’s roads in 2015 – an average of five fatalities per day. So what can we all do to help keep ourselves and others safer on the roads? On foot The green…
A ‘Royal Visit’ To West Yorkshire As Part Of National Inter Faith Week
The head of our Employment Law Department Yunus Lunat was at the centre of a prestigious visit to his Batley area last week, in his role at the Mount Pleasant Islamic Trust. The Medina Mosque in Batley welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ingrid Roscoe, and her Deputy Lord Lieutenant colleagues as part of…
Case Study – Health and Safety Prosecution
A recent case highlights the importance of compliance with the Construction Design Management Regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act, after a contractor was fined £600,000 when a worker died and two others were injured when a platform collapsed at a construction site. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a…
Ison Harrison Teams Up With Little Hiccups For Charity Ball
On Saturday 19th November 2016, Ison Harrison will be attending a charity ball in support of Little Hiccups, a Leeds based support group for families who have a child with disabilities or special needs. Representing our firm, we have a number of solicitors from different departments attending the event. Managing Partner Jonathan Wearing will be…
Will Aid – November 2016
November is now upon us and that means the annual Will Aid has launched; an opportunity for you to partner with Ison Harrison to make a will and support a national charity with a vital and much appreciated donation. Will Aid is a scheme where people are encouraged to make a will with participating solicitors,…
Case Study – Environment Agency Prosecutions
The operators of an illegal waste dumping site have been hit with financial penalties totaling over £100,000 for dumping waste without an environmental permit or an exemption for the waste to be deposited. The Environment Agency also found there was no system in place or capacity to protect the environment from pollution. In total over…
Hip Replacement Surgery Claims – Ison Harrison Can Help
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common medical procedures around. It is often seen as a lifeline to the patient and a critical factor in improving a person’s quality of life and ongoing mobility. Unfortunately, while the standards of surgery are generally excellent, problems can occur both privately and through the NHS, and…
Latest Employment Law Changes For 2016
2016 is seeing some fundamental and controversial changes in employment law introduced by the Conservative Government, which will bring radical change to HR departments throughout the UK. Reforms include changes to pay structures and what we have to report, trade union policies, public sector workers and foreign workers. At Ison Harrison we understand you need…
Execution of Documents: Electronic Signatures
It is common practice for solicitors to send documents to their clients by e-mail in order for their clients to be able to print off, sign and return the document in order for it to be executed and formally authorised by their client. With day to day business activities and market practices becoming increasingly adaptive…
What Is Collaborative Law?
In the 21st century it is very common to learn from the more brutal approach of the past and find more constructive and collaborative ways to solve problems. Collaborative law is exactly this; an amicable, mature and positive approach to divorce and separation, which takes into account the raw emotions involved and works towards a…
Specsavers Trademark Application Approved
The UK’s Intellectual Property Office (“IPO”) has approved Specsavers’ application to trademark the terms “should’ve” and “shouldve” to protect its well-known catchphrase., Specsavers had filed an application with the “IPO seeking a trademark over the two words ‘should’ve’ and ‘shouldve’ which the company has been regularly using as part of their slogan campaign “Should’ve gone…
The Importance Of Warranties And Distinguishing Them From Representations
In a share sale (whether of shares or assets) the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies. The law provides no statutory or common law protection for the buyer as to the nature or extent of the assets and liabilities it is acquiring. Hence, the need for extensive contractual statements in the form of warranties…
Landlords’ Requirements: Rules And Regulations To Cover Your Back
Landlords in the domestic and non-domestic rental market are bound by a number of regulations which must be adhered to, and which are designed to protect both the tenant and the landlord. It is prudent for all landlords looking to rent out properties with confidence to fully explore the regulations which apply to them, but…
The Unspoken Truth Of Domestic Issues And How We Can Help
Fear is something that surrounds many cases that we witness at Ison Harrison and we frequently see a sense of relief when a client starts talking about their domestic issues and hearing how we can help them. Of course, this means that the client has reached the stage where they feel they can attempt to…
Land Registry Facing Proposed Privatisation
One way or another, most individuals who own a home will have had some dealings with the Land Registry. Some of the most important documents and information relating to the ownership of your property are stored by the Land Registry. The Land Registry maintains a database that containing copies of Title Plans and Title Registers…
A Simple Guide To Moving House
Everything is signed and sealed, you have a completion date, finally things are coming together and your dream home is just a few days away. Of course, you have been planning this for months and months, but our resident property experts Jenny Bland and Natalie Clayton have collaborated over an essential house-moving guide, which pulls…
Yunus Lunat Welcomes The Vatican Cricket Team To Yorkshire
Ison Harrison’s head of employment, Yunus Lunat, was involved in a quite unique occasion last week at his local Madina Mosque, part of the Mount Pleasant Islamic Trust in Batley. Yunus was part of a welcoming delegation for the visit of a cricket team from the Vatican, who were in the UK for nine days…
Illegal Workers Penalties: Quarterly Report Issued
A quarterly report issued by the Home Office has outlined the penalties issued to employers throughout all regions of the UK in the first part of 2016. The changes brought into force by the Immigration Act 2016 will have an even greater impact soon. It is a pertinent time to assess the figures and study the…
Everything You Need To Know About The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2018 (MEES)
March 2015 saw the Energy Efficiency Regulations passed which set out minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for private rented properties in England and Wales. Overview This means that from April 2018 it is unlawful for landlords to agree a new tenancy or extend an existing tenancy agreement for properties that have an energy performance certificate…
TUC Survey Finds That ‘Half Of Women’ Have Been Sexually Harassed In The Workplace
Many people may have thought that sexual harassment in the workplace was a thing of the past, but findings from a TUC survey have prompted their Head, Frances O’Grady, to declare that it is “…alive and well.” The TUC commissioned a survey of 1,553 women and results published this week showed that just over half,…
The Women and Equalities Committee Reports on Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
The Women and Equalities Committee released a report on pregnancy and maternity discrimination on 31 August 2016. Ison Harrison’s Yunus Lunat, Head of Employment provides his thoughts on the committee’s findings and the suggestions they have put forward to the Government. The research undertaken by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Equality…
Increase In British Citizenship Applications Following Brexit Announcement
If there was confusion and uncertainty prior to the 23 June EU referendum, then the eventual Brexit vote has done little to clear anything up. Immigration was a central discussion point throughout the weeks of heated campaigning, with contradictory statements issued by both ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ groups, which only added to the tension. Post-Brexit Now,…
Wakefield Magistrates’ Court Closing In September
Following a consultation period started in July 2015 it was announced in February 2016 by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service that Wakefield Magistrates’ Court would be one of 86 courts and tribunals to close. With those 86 courts accounting for nearly one fifth of the 460 courts in England and Wales, it was a…
It’s Carnival Time in Leeds
Over the upcoming bank holiday weekend there will be an explosion of colour and the sound of steel pan drums hitting the streets of Leeds bringing various events to Leeds as part of the 2016 Leeds West Indian Carnival. The event which was founded by Arthur France is Europe’s longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade…
Harsher Sentencing Guidelines for Dangerous Dog Offences
On 1 July 2016, the Sentencing Council’s revised definitive sentencing guidelines for dangerous dog offences came into force. With these changes, pet owners will now face much harsher punishments should they be found guilty of an offence contained within the Dangerous Dogs Act 2014 (the “Act”). Under the Act it is illegal to own, breed,…
Are Bed Sores a Sign of Neglect?
Bed sores (also known as pressure sores) affect millions of people who are admitted to hospital within the United Kingdom every year. They develop as a consequence of pressure being exerted on an area of skin, usually because of a patient’s reduced mobility, causing damage to the skin and the underlying tissue due to a…
Buying Property at Auction
There are many reasons why a property is sold and purchased through an auction; the value of the property might be difficult to establish, the property might require substantial improvement work or the property may require planning consent in order to be used, this list continues… Selling a property at auction provides certainty and efficiency;…
New Legislation: Modern Slavery (Transparency in Supply Chains) Bill 2016 and the Investigatory Powers Bill 2016
Two diverse pieces of legislation have recently been passed into the House of Lords on their way to becoming implemented into UK law. Each of these have implications for different and contrasting areas of UK Business law. Modern Slavery (Transparency in Supply Chains) Bill 2016 Many UK businesses may claim to be shocked at the…
Covenants On A Property Explained
What is a Covenant? A covenant is a provision, or promise, contained in a deed to land. Land may be subject to a covenant which affects or limits its use. This is known as the burden of a covenant. A covenant may give a landowner some say over what is permissible on neighbouring property. This…
What The New Immigration Act 2016 Could Mean For Employment Law
After being first announced in the Queen’s Speech of May 2015, the Immigration Bill received Royal Assent a year later on Thursday 12 May 2016 and will now be known as the Immigration Act 2016. The Act introduces new sanctions that will fundamentally affect employment law in the UK and follows on from the Immigration Act…
Government Defeated In Legal Aid Test Ruling
The Government’s plans to introduce a residence test for Legal Aid applications has been dealt a fatal blow via a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that described the proposal as “unlawful”. The full Judgment was handed down by the Supreme Court on 13 July 2016, following the Court allowing an appeal mid-hearing. A challenge to the…
LALY Awards Honours Hillsborough Lawyers
Nearly 30 years on from that fateful football match, justice has finally been rewarded to the families of the 96 that died in the Hillsborough disaster and the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards has honoured the legal teams that have played a vital role since the inquest began. The legal teams involved, which…
Disability Discrimination An Increasing Problem In Professional Football
A lack of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic professionals holding leading positions in professional football in England has been discussed at length and remains an issue, but increasing concerns are also being felt regarding discrimination against professionals with disabilities. The Equality Act (2010) is in place to protect individuals against discrimination on several grounds, including…
The EU Referendum – Leave vs Remain In Summary
Today is a historic day in the UK. We are given an opportunity to decide our future and it is estimated that 45m people have now registered to vote in this referendum. Of course, it’s fair to say that many are still undecided with how they should vote. After what seems like months of political…
Maternity Leave Discrimination Cases On The Rise
When you are in the last weeks of pregnancy and about to leave work, have recently had your baby and are beginning to think about returning to work or you are already back at work, the last thing you need is a difficult time from your employer when you have the huge challenge of parenthood…
The EU Referendum and the Shroud of Uncertainty Hanging Over the UK Housing Market
On 23 June 2016, the UK will be holding a referendum addressing the question of whether the UK should remain a member of the EU, or leave the economic and political union consisting of 28 member states. Every individual who votes on 23 June 2016 will have their own reasoning for voting to leave or…
The Psychoactive Substances Act and its Legal Effect
From the rush to close the loophole which allowed stalls selling magic mushrooms to flourish in Camden Town in the early 2000s through the M-Cat (mephedrone) media circus of 2009 and the recent stories surrounding the dangers of long-term consumption of Spice (synthetic cannabis), it seems that the government have been embroiled a battle to…
Employment Law Team Secures Win For Pregnancy Discrimination Cases
Ison Harrison achieved notable outcomes in two recent pregnancy discrimination cases against a national employer. The cases in question concerned a redundancy situation which the employer claimed had arisen in the workplace. The individuals selected for redundancy were one lady that had just returned from maternity leave and another lady who was due to go…
Clamp Down on Cold Call Companies – New Legislation Enforced
On 16th of May a new law was enforced requiring direct marketing companies to display their telephone numbers when carrying out unsolicited phone calls. This follows changes made back in 2015, which made it easier for nuisance callers to be reported and fined by removing the need for consumers to prove that persistent rogue operators…
Leeds Law Firm Takes on The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge!
Some of us at Ison Harrison are sportier than others, but we’re really pleased to see such a good uptake on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge we’ve recently signed up to do. In just a couple of weeks, 45 of our wonderful volunteers will be donning their hiking boots and heading to the peaks of…
Hillsborough Inquest – The Verdict
On 26th April 2016 the longest running inquest in British legal history returned its verdicts. The jury were asked to answer 14 questions in deciding how 96 people died at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in Sheffield on 15 April 1989. The Inquest considered the events that took place during the FA Cup semi-final and…
Ison Harrison Sponsors The Crystal Event 2016 In Aid of Variety
As a Leeds law firm, we are always keen to work with local charities and events and having worked with Variety, the children’s charity, on regular occasions, we thought their upcoming charity event would be great to get involved with. Today, we are pleased to announce we will be official co-sponsors of the Crystal Event…
Ison Harrison Appointed to Handle Raleys Solicitors Client Work
With the recent news of Raleys Solicitors going into administration on 11th March 2016, the handling of current client work has been passed to Ison Harrison Solicitors in Leeds. Raleys, a Barnsley-based firm, were one of the oldest law firms in the country and had built up a loyal client base over the years. Our…
What Is The Lifetime ISA? George Osborne Announces New Saving Scheme
The Budget was interesting on 16th March 2016; not least because we saw the Government announce a new “Lifetime ISA” which is set to be introduced from April 2017. This ISA is designed for those that are trying to save for either a new home or retirement and is specifically targeted to those under 40….
IH-Red Cross Partnership
We are very pleased to announce that we have entered into a partnership with the British Red Cross, to help them provide advice and assistance to recognised refugees who are trying to be reunited with their families. As part of the cuts to Legal Aid made in April 2013, assistance was stopped for those granted…
Clinical Negligence Case Study: Baby E’s Story
As 2007 drew to a close, Mr and Mrs S were celebrating the birth of their beautiful baby daughter who was perfect in every way. Tragically, this dream was shattered when, having developed mild jaundice which the Doctors failed to treat promptly, the levels of bilirubin in Baby E’s blood stream built up to such…