An Important Ruling on COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance
A high court judgement relating to business interruption insurance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, could prove to be a lifeline to thousands of small businesses in the UK. However, much uncertainty remains following the verdict and there is a possibility of further court proceedings. Eight high profile insurance companies were taken to court…
Martyn Phillips Retires After 50 Years Working as a Property Solicitor
The team at Ison Harrison in Garforth along with managing partner Jonathan Wearing were keen to mark this amazing achievement by inviting Martyn along to their Garforth branch where he spent more than twenty years practicing as a property solicitor. “We would have liked to have invited some of Martyn’s clients to share in this…
Chapel Allerton Café Introduces Drive Through In Response To Covid
Geraldine Levison, branch manager at Ison Harrison’s Chapel Allerton branch spoke to Nicola Newlove who owns Crust and Crumb Café about the challenges they have faced during and post-lockdown. Nicola has certainly been very creative in the service she is providing to locals. She has even introduced a ‘drive through’ service at the rear of…
York’s City Host Scheme Introduced to Provide Help & Advice to Visitors
The York BID (Business Improvement District) has implemented a City Host programme to provide help and advice to people visiting the city and to provide reassurance post-lockdown. The programme is due to end on the 25th September but has been well received by those who have used it. Olivia Williams, Wills and Probate Solicitor at our…
What happens if business owners have a fall out?
No matter what type of business you run it is sometimes unavoidable to become involved in disputes between owners. Disputes may have a detrimental effect on the business, therefore it is important to get these resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. Disputes between owners arise often because one owner or a group of owners…
Rave Off? The Impact of the New Coronavirus Rules
In 1994, parties across the country were criminalised by the passing of the Criminal Justice Act. The hugely controversial Act was a response to the government’s displeasure at rave culture and all that it entailed, not least the raves themselves (sections 63 to 66 are entitled ‘powers in relation to raves.) Where s.63 applies to…
How To Sell Your Business Quickly Post COVID-19
Sellers should be aware that preparation required for a business sale, post COVID-19, may look different to what has been the norm over recent years. Nonetheless, our corporate team have extensive experience in advising business owners in all aspects of the sale of a business from preparation all the way through to completion. Firstly, you…
Otley Mobiles- Keeping Connected During Lockdown
Sarah Laughey, Head of Family Law based at our Otley Office spoke to Ish from Otley Mobiles to see how Coronavirus has affected his business. Ish closed for 3 months and for the first month downed- tools completely, but it wasn’t long before he was receiving messages to his Facebook page asking if he was…
Charity Shop Sees Massive Increase In Donations
Amy Kwil, Wills and Probate Solicitor at our Huddersfield branch popped down to Kirkwood Hospice’s charity shop on Byram Street in Huddersfield to speak to the team there. Donna Weston, Head of Retail for Kirkwood Hospice’s charity shops said “we have been overwhelmed with donations since we started to re-open our shops. People have used…
To Confiscate or Not to Confiscate? Proceeds of Crime in CV Fraud Cases
An eye catching case recently came before the Court of Appeal. The main facts are interesting enough on their own, but those involved in confiscation cases will find it especially noteworthy. In the wake of a Supreme Court case called Waya, changes were made to the Proceeds of Crime Act. A key amendment was made…
The Orchard Florist Otley in full bloom post-lockdown
Our Licensed Conveyancer Laura Lavelle-Marshall, who is based at our Otley Branch spoke to Alishia Easthope who owns The Orchard Florist, Otley located next door to our Otley branch. Alishia had only been open for 8 weeks when she was faced with shutting shop due to the lockdown. “I cried for two weeks. The timing…
First Draw of the Pudsey Lottery Takes Place at our Pudsey Office
Ison Harrison Pudsey branch was delighted to host the first draw of the Pudsey lottery on Tuesday 4th August. The lottery has been set up to support businesses looking to bounce back following lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – and encourage people to shop local. Pudsey Business Network Forum, which was revamped last year to support businesses…
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
On 25 June 2020 the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act received royal assent and came into immediate force. The Act introduces temporary changes which the Government has advised seek to ‘relieve the burden on business during the coronavirus outbreak.’ It also introduces permanent reforms to English insolvency and restructuring law. Temporary changes: Easements for Annual…
How To Get The Legal Structure Of Your Property Investment Right
Property is becoming increasingly popular as an accessible and lucrative form of investment. But many people underestimate the importance of the legal side of property investment, and this can lead to your property portfolio not growing as it should, or it becoming a damaging financial burden. This is usually because your investments are not structured…
Settlement Agreement Scheme Will Help With COVID Job Losses
Ison Harrison have launched a ‘same day’ settlement agreement scheme to help employees with the expected surge of redundancies in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Just this week, major companies across the UK have announced up to 12,000 job losses, as redundancies start to become the norm in the run-up to the Government’s furlough…
Sarah Laughey Announced As New Head of Family Law
Press Release – Issued June 2020 We are delighted to announce we have appointed a new head of private family law at Ison Harrison. Sarah Laughey who originally joined the firm’s family law service in February 2017 and promptly headed up the firm’s family law service at the Ilkley, Otley & Guiseley branches, was made…
Reopening Of Schools And Workplaces During The Coronavirus Pandemic – The Employment Law Issues
Following the announcement by the Government that schools would see a gradual phased reopening, Ison Harrison has had a steady flow of enquiries from teachers querying their rights. Many are naturally concerned at feeling pressured to return to work whilst there is still a very real risk of catching Covid-19. This feature discusses the rights…
Divorcing in a Pandemic
I handle client divorce cases all day every day. It is my daily diet. There is the divorce itself, the dissolution, the concluding of a marriage. Some have been years in the making, others represent a short lived union, either way they have arrived in the same place. Alongside the divorce come other disputes: What…
Online & “Quickie” Divorces – what they don’t tell you
We see increasing numbers of people applying for divorces online – but please be aware that they’re not without their faults. For those who petitioned online, they face at least a six month wait before they can say they are no longer married – and that’s before the family money is divided. Many of these…
Clarity on automatic visa extensions
As we find ourselves in uncharted territories with a pandemic that has affected everyone either in their daily lives or the way they are working, it is fair to say that there has been a big change in almost everything, with the world of Immigration being no different. Immigration Solicitors have had to adapt to…
#YouAreNotAlone – Violence is not the only form of domestic abuse.
Trapped, isolated, frightened and without hope. These are some of the emotions that are likely to be experienced by those all over our country that are in an abusive relationship. Those feelings must be magnified at a time where the victim may not be able to get any break from their abuser; forced into lockdown…
Furlough and Fraud – A Perfect Storm?
The government’s Covid019 Job Retention Scheme went live on 20 April, enabling employers to make claims of up-to £2,500 per month, per employee, until at least the 30th of June. HMRC have already expressed concerns that the scheme will be targetted by orgainised criminals looking to profit illegally from payments on offer. A spokesperson was…
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Portal Opens and HMRC Updates Furlough Scheme Guidance
There have been two important developments for businesses. Firstly, and importantly HMRC have from today started accepting applications for payments under the Job Retention Scheme (JRS). HMRC chief executive Jim Harra told the BBC’s Today programme that employers had made 67,000 job claims in the first 30 minutes of the scheme operating. The portal can…
Child Arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the current COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an increasing number of parents approach us with worries and concerns about child arrangements. Whether these were official arrangements that were applied through the courts, or individual arrangements agreed outside the court system, parents are unsure how the government restrictions apply to their current situation and could…
Lockdown Law: A Practical Overview
Three weeks in and a fast-tracked set of laws are upon us all. Although the issue is a public health one, the new legislation imposes rules and restrictions on behaviour- with the scope for penalties if we do not conform. The key legislation is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. Here, we present…
Is NOW the time to restructure your Business?
Covid-19 is an unprecedented risk to health, but also to the economy and businesses. Understandably therefore many business owners are anxious about what the future holds. However, what we are already seeing is that many businesses are finding ways to adapt, to diversify, to thrive in these challenging times. It is said that ‘necessity is…
The Yorkshire Law Firm – Here when you need us
Why Ison Harrison? With 19 offices, from our Leeds City Centre office, from Ilkley to Pontefract, from York to Barnsley, from Garforth to Huddersfield we have bases all across Yorkshire As will writers we are key workers. We are therefore able to be here for you during these difficult times. We have twelve fully trained…
Guidance On Compliance with Family Court Child Arrangement Orders
The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice, has published guidance on compliance with family court child arrangement orders during the Coronavirus outbreak. His statement reads: During the current Coronavirus Crisis some parents whose children are the subject of Child Arrangements Orders made by the Family Court…
The New Job Retention Scheme, How Will It Work?
On Friday 20 March 2020 the government implemented a new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to combat the economic effects of the Coronavirus and prevent businesses from being forced to make redundancies. It will be implemented for an initial period of 3 months backdated from 1 March. The government has not ruled out extending the period…
Ison Harrison Appoints New Family Lawyer at Barnsley Office
Press Release – March 2020 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has appointed an experienced family solicitor at its Barnsley branch. Abbie Churchill joins Ison Harrison’s expanding regional team having previously been at Howells Solicitors in South Yorkshire for seven years and Raleys in Barnsley for nine years. This latest appointment brings 16 years of family…
5 Top Tips for Disaster Planning for Business Owners
Given the current economic climate and issues arising due to Coronavirus, I thought it would be useful to give an overview of the kind of protection all business owners should have in place. I am not going to focus on the various reliefs and assistance being offered by the Government in light of the current…
Coronavirus Update: Schools Closed – The Right to Time off for Dependants
The Government announcement of school closures for all apart from vulnerable children and children of key workers will have enormous implications in the workplace. The situation is changing daily, and many businesses and employees do not know how to handle or what to expect in the coming days and weeks. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount…
What To Expect In The Family Court
Sometimes, family life can be difficult and family members may run into problems. Sometimes, issues can’t be sorted out by themselves and families need assistance. To solve the problem, family courts may get involved. The family court is very different to a criminal court. The judge at a family court listens to what everyone has…
Running a Livery Yard: Do’s and Don’ts from a Legal Perspective
Do make it clear to owners/keepers that you are legally obliged to act on any welfare concerns if they are not taking appropriate steps to address them. As a livery yard proprietor, a horse spends more time with you than with anyone else, and you can be the subject of a prosecution in relation to…
Recent Cases in Animal Welfare
Two recent cases have brought attention to the law on animal welfare. As is so often the case, the facts may be somewhat novel but the underlying points are of broader interest. An unusual case A woman from Birmingham was sentenced on 23 January after being found guilty of four animal welfare offences. Louise Lawford…
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill – Part 3
Following on from our previous Blogs regarding the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (read part 1 here or part 2 here), we look at the next stage of the Bill process, the line by line examination of the Bill by the ‘Committee of the Whole House’ that took place in the House of Lords on…
Employment Law Q&A: Coronavirus In The Workplace
In light of the prediction that infection rates for the Coronavirus epidemic could potentially affect 60% of the population, what are the legal implications and obligations in the workplace? Our Head of Employment Law Yunus Lunat addressees some of the common questions and issues that are being raised by our clients: As an employer, can…
Family Courts Deemed Unsafe For Domestic Violence Victims
In light of the Family Judge Tolson case, whereby a leadership judge declared outdated views around sexual consent, a letter has been signed by 130 professionals and lawyers raising concerns that courts aren’t safe for victims- with outdated views on consent and sexual violence. This came off the backlash from Judge Tolson, who rules that…
Jacks Law: Supporting Bereaving Parents At Work
New workers’ rights supporting bereaving parents in the death of a child A new law will come into force in April for parents who lose a child under the age of 18. Parents will now be entitled to two weeks of statutory paid parental bereavement leave from work following the death of a child. Jacks…
How To Minimise The Risk Of Gazumping
Gazumping is a relatively modern phenomenon and yet for a number of years there has been talk of laws being changed to crackdown on the practice, which can be devastating for innocent people. In all likelihood, however, there will always be legal loopholes which allow the practice to continue, and certainly it is still a…
Maternity Care In England
In 2015 the Secretary of State asked the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) to investigate and improve maternity safety across England. The HSIB aims to half the rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths, and brain injuries that occur soon after birth, by 2025. It will make national safety recommendations for the whole health service….
IR35 Explained
IR35 legislation came into force as part of the Finance Act in April 2020. It was combined with the Income Tax Act 2003 and the Statutory Instrument Social Security Contributions Regulations 2020. This legislation is referred to as IR35. IR35 relates to anti-avoidance taxi legislation. The legislation tackles the issues of deemed or disguised employment. This…
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill – Part 2
Following on from our previous Blog concerning the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, we look at the second reading and general debate of the Bill that took place in the House of Lords on 5th February 2020. Main issues raised Making divorce too ‘available’: One of the most debated aspects of the Bill was that…
Alternative Methods When Dealing With Family Issues
We understand the anxieties, difficulties and uncertainties facing our family clients, especially when dealing with issues concerning their child or children. It is our objective to make this journey the smoothest for you, taking into account your own personal circumstances and feelings. Child Protection Social workers’ involvement in family life can be at any stage;…
Rape In The UK: An Overview
Family Judge criticised for view on sexual consent in rape case; ‘Woman took no physical steps to stop the perpetrator, she was not raped.’ Family judges will now receive training on sexual consent after a leadership judge’s judgment was found to be flawed; Judge Tolson stated that a victim must physically resist the perpetrator to…
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill
As many people will now be aware, the current Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has been reintroduced to Parliament, following its automatic failure as a result of the dissolution of Parliament on 6th November 2019. The idea of the Bill is to introduce a ‘no fault divorce’ with the aim to reduce or eliminate family…
Ison Harrison & Little Hiccups Team Up For Clip n Climb Event
On Sunday 19th January, members from Ison Harrison together with Little Hiccups charity members and families, set out on a mission to climb the Yorkshire Three Peaks! But rather than being outside on a cold January day, this Yorkshire Three Peaks climb took place in the warm surroundings of Clip n Climb in Leeds, an…
Personal Injury Claims In The Winter – Our #SolicitorChat January 2020
We recently took part in a #SolicitorChat on Twitter to discuss personal injury claims in the winter, advising on how the claim process works and what information a solicitor needs in order to help you make a claim. Read our answers below and please contact us if you would like any further information about the…
When Is A Dog Deemed Dangerous?
Dangerous Dogs In Recent Media Very sadly, recent media reports have detailed a shocking case in which a woman from Widnes died having been attacked by two dogs. Those keeping dogs may not feel that they need to pay attention to the law in this area, but an awareness of it can go hand in…
York Law Firm Kicks Off 2020 With New Premises Launch & New Appointment
Press Release – Issued 10th January 2020 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has started 2020 in style with the official launch of its new office in York and the appointment of a new family law specialist. After originally opening in York in late 2018, a year of success has led to the need for an…