Brexit and the Law: Where are we now?
The Commons debates over the course of this week have been second only to President Trump’s first days in office in dominating the headlines. Equally impossible to escape was press coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision in R v Miller and others- the ‘Brexit’ court case, which of course came after the result of the…
Employment Law Changes in 2017
A New Year brings with it fresh perspective, and in the HR world, a chance to prepare for what we know is coming, although in some cases we don’t quite know when. With 2017, this means Brexit, or should we say Brexit, means Brexit and at least as the dust settles we are getting some…
Announcing Our Huddersfield Branch Launch Event!
January saw the latest historic chapter in Ison Harrison’s continuing success story and we are marking the occasion with a launch event this coming Friday (3rd February) the highlight of which will be a not-to-be-missed speech. Our Huddersfield branch opened on 30th January and is already proving a big hit with local people. Various branches…
‘Wheelchairs v Pushchairs’: the Supreme Court decides
On 18 January, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in First Group Plc (Respondent) v Paulley (Appellant) [2017] UKSC 4 illustrates a case for which in the words of Lord Sumption, ‘there is no ideal solution.’ On 24 February 2012, Mr Paulley, a wheelchair user, tried to board a bus operated by First, but…
Sindy Allen meets the Lord Mayor of Leeds
Our Wills and Probate Solicitor Sindy Allen rubbed shoulders with Gerry Harper, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, at a recent launch event. Sindy was invited to attend a new branch opening for a nationwide care company as a result of her involvement with Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE.) Her fully accredited membership of SFE reflects…
Personal Injury February ‘Sale’
Our Personal Injury team are pleased to announce that for the month of February, new clients will be able to take advantage of a very unique offer. Usually, our standard No-Win No Fee agreements include a 25% success fee. The fee represents a contribution towards our professional fees in the event of a successful claim,…
Vaccines stored at incorrect temperatures
Simon Helliwell, a senior Chartered Legal Executive within our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team, has recently been instructed in a number of cases involving a Leeds GP surgery which, following a routine inspection by the Care Quality Commission, was found to have stored vaccines at an incorrect temperature- for up to 18 months. Parents…
Help To Buy Scheme Ends – What Now For First-Time Buyers?
The Government’s Help to Buy Scheme was launched in 2013 to a chorus of disapproval but it ended on New Years’ Eve 2016 – as was always the plan – with most critics conceding that it had achieved its main aims. But where does it leave first-time buyers now and what options do they have?…
New Huddersfield Office Sees Ison Harrison Branching Out In 2017
We have some very exciting news! Ison Harrison will be opening an office in Huddersfield on 30th January 2017. Having originated in Leeds city centre over thirty-five years ago, Ison Harrison has grown through a series of mergers, change and adaptation to become one of the top twenty law firms in Yorkshire and with a national reputation…
New Pudsey Office Opening in January 2017
Weâre pleased to announce that Ison Harrison solicitors have opened a new branch of solicitors in Pudsey on 16th January 2017. The market town of Pudsey has a population of just over 22,000 people and as a thriving borough and a proud community, it is the perfect place for the latest branch of Ison Harrisonâs…
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…