SC v First Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber)
We challenged by way of judicial review the decision of the CICA to refuse compensation to SC on the basis that his claim had been made outside of the 2 year limitation period. The circumstances of the case are that SC was violently assaulted by 2 men during the course of which he lost consciousness,…
Why Business Owners Need a Lasting Power of Attorney
Have you ever considered what might happen to your business if you were to lose mental capacity? In this blog post Jessica Bourke considers why Lasting Powers of Attorney are vital documents for all business owners. What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? Lasting Powers of Attorney are legal documents that allow your chosen attorneys…
In Hot Water: Sentencing Companies for Health and Safety offences
The science of sentencing in health and safety cases involving companies came under the microscope recently at the Court of Appeal. Thames Water had been fined in the sum of £2,000,000 following a case at Reading Crown Court in which it had pleaded guilty to an offence relating to the discharge of untreated sewage (an…
Avoiding Nasty Surprises and Unexpected Costs in Business – Free Seminar
We are delighted to announce we are holding a free business seminar providing practical, strategic and legal advice for business owners. The focus of this seminar will be on legal and practical business issues which are often overlooked by business owners and can cost substantial sums of money to rectify. Taking place on Wednesday 18th September…
Prison Death Ruled As Natural Causes After Inquest Describes Negligent Healthcare
A 19-year-old inmate, Jordan Hullock from Leeds, died in prison after being “de-humanised and ignored” according to an inquest, which ruled that his death was due to ‘natural causes’. Represented by Ison Harrison’s expert criminal and inquest lawyer, Ruth Bundey, Jordan’s family left the inquest distraught and angry at the treatment their son had been…
Success for Regulatory department in Taxi Licensing case
Ison Harrison recently assisted a client with their successful application for a Private Hire Licence. On occasion, a licensing authority will ask an applicant to explain certain matters such as entries on a DBS check. In this case, Leeds City Council had asked for a clarification of past events that related to offences recorded on…
Helping The Police With Their Enquires
What happens if the Police arrest me? Do I need a solicitor? How do I get a solicitor? What happens at the Police Station? How long will I be there? These are just some of the questions you may well ask, and which this Guide will endeavour to answer together with many others. It is not just the guilty who…
Desired Outcome Reached In Inquest With Gareth Naylor
An inquest before HM Assistant Coroner Jonathan Heath took place on the 9 July 2019 to investigate the death of a motorcyclist who died on the 29 May 2018. Our Partner and Head of Personal Injury Gareth Naylor represented the brother of the deceased, Mathew. On the 29 May 2018 Mathew was riding his motorcycle…
£115,000.00 settlement achieved following a tripping accident
Mr Simon Helliwell in our personal injury department recently obtained compensation for his client against the local authority in relation to a tripping accident. Initially, it was thought that the Claimant’s injuries to her ankle were minor and that a recovery would have been made in a short period of time. Simon’s client unfortunately required…
How To Prevent Homophobia And Transphobia In The Workplace
Homophobia and Transphobia in the workplace is more common than one would expect. Stonewall UK (a charity which campaigns for the rights of LGBT people) have produced a work report called LGBT in Britain which surveyed 5000 LGBT workers about their experience in work. Statistics from this and other studies show that: 1 in 5 LGBT people…
Spire Leeds CQC Report Indicates Improvement In Care Needed
A report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) dated 3 July 2019 has stated that Spire Leeds Hospital ‘requires improvement’ following their inspection on 11 December 2018. Spire Leeds is a private hospital and considered to be one of Yorkshire’s largest offering treatment of over 30 medical specialities. The hospital has facilities which include four…
Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
In light of the #MeToo movement, the government has pledged to introduce a new code of practice for employers to better understand their legal responsibilities to protect staff from sexual harassment in the workplace. The Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA has also decided to update its guidance for people making allegations of harassment, due to an…
Everything You Need To Know About Unfair Dismissal
An employee has the right not to be unfairly dismissed. However, in most cases you can only enforce this right in a tribunal if you have worked with your company for 2 years or more on the date of the dismissal. There are limited circumstances where a dismissal could be fair. Some potentially fair reasons…
The Private Landlord Guidelines
The amount of private renters doubles in a decade According to the Family Resources Survey, Department for Work and Pensions, the proportion of 35-54 year olds who live as private tenants has almost doubled since 2006-2007. Renting among this age group is more likely to be privately rented from a landlord, than a council or housing…
Ison Harrison Sponsoring The Big Burley Bash: Burley in Wharfedale CC vs Lashings World XI
We’re pleased to announce our sponsorship for the ‘Big Burley Bash’ in July, with some celebrated names in world cricket coming to Burley-in-Wharfedale to entertain and play against the locals. The Big Burley Bash is a T20 game featuring the famous Lashings Xl v the local Burley-in-Wharfedale Cricket Club, and will take place on Friday…
Care Homes Now Require Health & Welfare LPA’s
Most care home providers state that Care Quality Commission reviews now require a health and welfare power of attorney for all residents. The Care Quality Commission regulates health and social services, making sure standards are met with safe and effective high quality care. Why make an LPA? A power of attorney is a legal document…
New Legal Clinic at Ison Harrison Huddersfield
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new free legal clinic at our Huddersfield branch. Opened in 2017, our Huddersfield office is one of our most popular local branches and we have been keen to launch a legal clinic here to be able to extend our service in the town so our expert…
Right To Buy: A £6.2 Billion Public Loss
A prominent feature of Thatcher’s 1979 Conservative manifesto, Right to Buy launched in 1980 as a way to springboard hard working people who before had only been able to rent from the Local Authority. Overnight, the dream of home-ownership which for some seemed so far away became a reality. That has continued throughout the decades…
We’re Sponsoring The Ilkley Half Marathon
We are pleased to announce we have signed up as a sponsor for the Ilkley Half Marathon 2019. The half marathon will be taking place on 14th July 2019, and as the intrepid runners pound the streets, quite possibly in the summer sun, they will be cheered on by hundreds of well-wishers as this high…
Criminal Injuries Rule Abolished
Criminal Injuries Rule Abolished. Previously unsuccessful Claimants can now apply for claims previously rejected under “same roof rule” The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) is a scheme which compensates victims of crime. For example, victims of terrorism; attacks in the street; sexual abuse. The scheme prevented persons living under the same roof such which prevented…
New Legislation: Finn’s Law: Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019
Finn’s Law: Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 New legislation means causing unnecessary harm to protected service animals is now an offence in England and Wales. The new law which has been given royal assent gives protection to service animals such as police horses and dogs. The law was inspired by a German shepherd Finn,…
Victim Of Vehicle Accident On Private Land Entitled To Compensation
In the recent decision of Motor Insurers’ Bureau v Lewis, the Court of Appeal has confirmed the rights of those people injured in car accidents on private land to bring a claim for compensation. The court found the Motor Insurers Bureau was liable to pay damages to the Mr Lewis who was walking along a…
Family Law Partner, Parveen Ahmed, Set To Speak at Forced Marriage Event
On Wednesday 12th June, Ison Harrison partner and family law expert, Parveen Ahmed, will be speaking at a Forced Marriage symposium which aims to raise awareness of forced marriage in the UK, exploring what it is and why it happens. The event is being held at Leeds Beckett University and there will be 2 hours…
Worker Falls From Height: Are The Work at Height Regulations and Health & Safety Executive Investigations Sufficient?
Mr Simon Helliwell in our Personal Injury department recently obtained compensation for his client who fell through a skylight in a roof at work and fell 30 feet to the floor. Simon describes: “It was my client’s case that major works were to be carried out on site and due to a threat of workers…
Buying A Property With Friends? Advantages And Disadvantages
Recent media has highlighted an increase in the trend of friends buying with friends. Last year, M&S bank launched a ‘Four Way’ mortgage, saying that demand was there for its use. This was unusual in the mortgage market but more and more millennial’s are choosing to pool resources and purchase with their friends. London & Country mortgages have…
Press Release: Ison Harrison Strengthens All-Female Chapel Allerton Team Following Promotion
Press Release An experienced property lawyer has been promoted to branch manager at the Chapel Allerton office of Ison Harrison, bolstering the team and bringing specialist commercial property expertise to the area. Geraldine Levison will head up the all-female team of four at Chapel Allerton with the Leeds-headquartered law firm. She has 16 years’ experience…
Ramadan In The Workplace: Important Considerations (Infographic)
Our head of employment law, Yunus Lunat, lists the important considerations for businesses when their Muslim employees are fasting for Ramadan.
How Does Ramadan Affect Businesses?
We are currently running a Ramadan In The Workplace: In Focus series of blog posts. Here we ask “How does Ramadan affect businesses?” What does the fasting month of Ramadan mean to businesses? Does Ramadan really result in a lower productivity and performance? All who are able-bodied enter the fasting period, resulting in shorter sleeping…
Can an Employer Require Muslim Employees Observing Ramadan to take Time Off?
***Article updated May 2019*** We are currently running a Ramadan In The Workplace: In Focus series of blog posts. Here we ask “Can an employer require Muslim staff observing Ramadan to take time off?” Yunus Lunat recalls an interesting scenario whereby an employer concerned about the performance of Muslim employees observing fast. The employer was…
Court of Appeal Overturns Manslaughter Conviction in Takeaway Case
In October 2018, Mohammed Kuddus, the sole director of Royal Spice, a takeaway in Lancashire, was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a customer, 15 year old Megan Lee. When placing their online order, Ms Lee’s friend included the words ‘nuts, prawns’ in the ‘notes’ section. At the time, the order was…
The Social, Psychological & Physical Health Benefits Of Fasting During Ramadan
In our latest article, part of Ramadan In The Workplace: In Focus, we look at the social, psychological & physical health benefits of fasting during Ramadan. What’s Ramadan about? Ramadan is 1 of the 5 pillars of Islam and takes place during the 9th month on the Islamic Calendar. People partake in fasting for 30…
5 Tips for Accommodating Muslim Employees during Ramadan
As part of our Ramadan In The Workplace: In Focus series of blog posts, here we offer 5 tips for accommodating Muslim employees during Ramadan… Ramadan is a religious holiday observed by Muslims. One of the key features of Ramadan is the practice of fasting during the day. The practice of fasting involves not eating…
Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Cancer – Case Study
Clinical Negligence Successful Case Study: Mrs S noticed a lump in her right breast. The area around the lump was visibly indented, as though the lump was pulling the skin in towards her chest. She discussed her concerns with her husband who examined the lump and advised her to visit her GP. She held off…
Ison Harrison’s Non-Muslim Employees Are Taking Part In A 1 Day Fast for Ramadhan
Partner and Head of Employment at Ison Harrison, Yunus Lunat, is spearheading a campaign which will see non-Muslim staff take part in a 1 day fast for Ramadhan to raise money for a local charity and good cause. Ramadhan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is a special time for practicing Muslims. …
Milkshaking Protestors: How Does The Law Apply To Headlines?
It seems that at the moment, the protest method of choice is to throw a milkshake at a political figure. First there were two occasions in which former EDL leader (and now independent MEP candidate) Tommy Robinson had the drink thrown over him, now we’ve seen one hit Brexit Party head Nigel Farage whilst on…
Another Pregnancy Discrimination Success for Ison Harrison Solicitors’ Employment Department
Following a string of successful cases in the employment tribunal, our employment specialist, Yunus Lunat, celebrates another victory in a case for Pregnancy Discrimination. Following a four day hearing at which the Claimant was represented by Yunus Lunat, she was found to have been constructively unfairly dismissed and also subjected to direct pregnancy and maternity…
Guide To Buying a Property In Ilkley
The history of Ilkley Since the findings of carvings in rock in the local area, historians believe that Ilkley has been inhabited since the early Bronze age. The remains of a Roman Fort occupy a site near the town centre believed to be from 79AD. The Domesday book shows the 1st Baron Percy as the…
What It Means for Ison Harrison Being Dementia Friendly
We have many targets for 2019 and amongst them is an aim to become a dementia-friendly firm of solicitors. Our Ilkley branch is spearheading an inclusive drive to be more accommodating and responsive to dementia-suffering customers and we are proud to be supporting the Dementia Action Week 2019. Victoria Holland and Jess Bourke are members of…
Can The Brain Heal Itself After Brain Damage?
Suffering a traumatic brain injury can be a very harrowing time and it can be difficult for clients and their loved ones to see a way forward. At Ison Harrison our first priority is the patient’s rehabilitation. The brain is a very sensitive and complicated organ, and when you consider the many variables that can influence…
The Stats And Facts When It Comes To Cycling Accidents
As the cost of petrol rises, more and more turn to bicycles instead. Unlike drivers, cyclists do not have insurance whilst cycling on the road. Statistics The Road Safety Factsheet details 120 cycling fatalities, 3100 serious injuries and over 19,000 cycling accidents in the UK each year. It is estimated that less severe causalities will…
10 Common Interview Questions To Avoid
A new study by Hyper Recruitment Solutions found that out of the 1,000 hiring managers questioned, more than half admitted to asking inappropriate and personal questions to the candidates they were interviewing. The study also asked 1,000 interviewees about their experiences at interviews and found that 1 in 5 felt they were mistreated during an…
Guide To Buying A Property In York
Property expert Ashley Mallett is based at our York office and explains what he loves about the area: In York, it seems that every building has a story to tell with history behind it. Add to that the museums and tours it’s a history lover’s heaven! I love the quirky Tudor/Medieval shops and boutiques, along The…
Legislation Changes to Personal Injury: How Does it Impact You?
“A world where Darth Vader is the good guy and Luke Skywalker is the bad guy.” The principle of insurance is that the many pay for the few. Fortunately, the vast majority of people will never be involved in an accident but if this happens how would you expect the system to support you? If the…
Ison Harrison Helps To Implement Change With Ground-Breaking Trip To China
At Ison Harrison, we have always prided ourselves on setting the standards in the legal sector, and it is fantastic when our expertise and professionalism is recognised, particularly when this can lead to impacting positive change on a wider scale. This was the case recently, when one of our partners, Mark Foley, was invited on…
Legislation planned to bring an end to the blame game in divorces
Under the existing legislation, the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, individuals seeking to obtain a divorce have to rely on one of the five available facts to prove that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Two facts that are commonly encountered and relied upon in practice are that of unreasonable behaviour and adultery…
10 Bizarre Things That Can Affect Property Value
Is something holding you back during the purchase of a house sale? Is it mentioned in the list below? Here are 10 bizarre things that can affect a property’s value: 1. Is it a Road, Street, Avenue or something else? It sounds crazy but the name of your street can affect your home’s value and desirability!…
Upskirting: New Law Comes into Force
The Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 makes ‘Upskirting’ illegal A new law comes into force today, which criminalises the offence of ‘upskirting.’ The Act has its direct origins in campaigning by Gina Martin, and an experience she underwent whilst at a music festival in Hyde Park. Ms Martin became aware that two men near to her…
Leeds Business Seminar: “Planning for Exiting a Business as a Business Owner”
On 22nd May 2019, we are hosting a FREE business event in Leeds city centre offering advice to business owners looking to grow and plan for the future, and tickets are available now. Ison Harrison’s Head of Corporate, Richard Coulthard, has organised a timetable featuring 4 key speakers, including a financial advisor and a business…
Things to consider when buying a Property in Crossgates
The history of Crossgates Until 1912, Crossgates wasn’t part of Leeds, having historically formed part of the district of Selby. 1800’s Crossgates was very different to the bustling area we see today, being a dirt track between Seacroft and Whitkirk, albeit a well trodden one. There are several stories as to how the village took…
Specialist Advice at this week’s free Legal Clinic in Ilkley
Our popular Legal Clinic, held at the Clarke Foley centre, offers free legal advice every Thursday between 12.30pm-2.30pm. This week, there’s a special focus on all things Regulatory. Our Regulatory department regularly deals with cases involving so-called ‘white collar’ crime, as well as licensing (such as shotgun and taxi licensing) and environmental offences. Amber is…