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…
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…
Get With The Programme: TV Licensing
The Prime Minister has mused recently about whether or not to scrap the TV Licence. Though it may be a gripe paying for a licence, what does the law actually provide for if you don’t? Ison Harrison takes a closer look. Action is taken against some 180,000 people a year for not holding a TV…
10 Reasons To Use a Solicitor When You Divorce
The Christmas and New Year period are traditionally thought to be a happy time when family and friends reunite, but it can add to the pressures when a marriage is in trouble. Couples who feel their marriage is nearing an end may find themselves putting matters off until the New Year for the benefit of…
Remembering David Oluwale – 50 Years On
David Oluwale was a British Citizen from Nigeria who came to the UK in August 1949 but who was let down by the authorities and those who were paid to protect him. A brutal and sustained programme of harassment led to Oluwale’s death, when he was repeatedly hounded by police over a number of years…
Illegal Steroid Enterprise Produces Convictions
In March 2015, a quantity of steroids was held by customs officers at Heathrow Airport. The subsequent investigation sparked by the seizure uncovered an international operation to manufacture, import and supply anabolic steroids with a street value of £11.9m. Whilst the smuggling ring was spearheaded by Jacob Sporon-Fiedler, aged 38, from his base in Mumbai,…
Success Leads To Premises Move For York Law Firm
Press Release – Issued December 2019 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison is gearing up for further expansion following the completion of a move for its York office just over a year after first opening in the city. Ison Harrison opened its York office at 37a Micklegate in October 2018 and following a successful first year…
Fools’ Gold: Treasure Hunters Convicted After Trial
In a recent article, Ison Harrison looked at a somewhat obscure but interesting area of the law: how it applies to treasure, and the finding of it. A current case has highlighted the area once again, offering a stark example of the worst-case scenario. In June 2015, George Powell and Layton Davies uncovered a massive…
Don’t Be Caught Out Drink Driving This Christmas
As leading road traffic offence solicitors, we often see an increase in drink driving cases at this time of year. With Christmas parties and New Year parties coming up, it can be all too tempting to have one extra drink that pushes you over the drink driving limit and results in a driver being stopped…
eBay Seller Pleads Guilty To Trading Endangered Animal Skulls
In a recent case, a 49 year old Cardiff man was convicted of illegally trading the skulls of endangered animals without firstly having the correct documentation. Perhaps surprisingly, trading the items is not against the law, but you can be prosecuted if you fail to hold an exemption certificate. In exemption certificate is required if…
Press Release: Ison Harrison Appoints New Commercial Property Partner
PRESS RELEASE: DECEMBER 2019 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has appointed a prominent property partner to head up its commercial property division. Chris Waddingham joins Ison Harrison’s expanding regional team having previously been at Blacks Solicitors in Leeds where he was a partner and commercial property lawyer for 15 years. This latest senior appointment brings…
Business Planning 2020
As 2019 draws to a close, we are not just seeing out the year, but also seeing out the decade. Looking back to where the economy was 10 years ago, we were in the midst of the recession. Fast forward 10 years and we still seem to face a period of political and economic uncertainty….
Children & Non English Speaking Clients: A Level Playing Field?
The general public may not be aware but in cases where damages are valued at less than £25,000.00 then the Claimant’s lawyers can only recover fixed costs from the insurers irrespective of the amount of work that needs to be carried out. In cases that are settled before legal proceedings are commenced these fixed costs…
A Guide To Buying A Property In Leeds
The History of Leeds Leeds became a major textile city in the 17th & 18th centuries. Whilst wool was still the main industry, flax, engineering, iron foundries and print works became major industries. The Leeds-Liverpool canal meant that goods could be produced, taken to port and exported globally. Agriculture also played a large role in…
Three Quarters Of UK Mothers Are In Work
According to new research from the Office of National Statistics, 75.1% of mothers with dependent children are working in the UK. However, fathers with dependent children have a higher employment rate, at 92.6%. With many employers now adopting flexible working hours, 62% of parents stated it was possible to vary their working day to look after children….
We’re Sponsoring York Business Week 2019
For the second consecutive year Ison Harrison is proud to be sponsoring York Business Week. Ison Harrison opened its York branch in October 2018, and over the last 12 months we have become a vital resource to many people in this popular and historic Yorkshire city. Our sponsorship of York Business Week allows us to…
Bereavement Damages, The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and Human Rights
Smith v (1) Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; (2) Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust; (3) Secretary of State for Justice Court of Appeal; [2017] EWCA Civ 1916; 28 November 2017 The substantive claim in this case related to the death of Ms Smith’s cohabiting partner as a result of clinical negligence. Liability was admitted…
HMRC and TV: BBC Presenter Loses IR35 Appeal
The ongoing battle between HMRC and TV presenters: Another BBC presenter loses their IR35 appeal HMRC has once again won against a BBC presenter in their crack down on the IR35 rules. Many will remember the media frenzy earlier this year surrounding Lorraine Kelly’s tax appeal against HMRC. HMRC had brought a case against Lorraine…
Q&A with Kim Hawksby for Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2019
This week we have interviewed Kim Hawksby, an Erb’s Palsy sufferer who is an Occupational Therapist. Q1: What is your experience of having Erb’s Palsy? When I was born my shoulder got stuck on my mum’s pelvis (shoulder dystocia). The medical team did not know how to manage this birth emergency and instead of carrying…
Q&A with Jordan for Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2019
For Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2019, we have interviewed Jordan Barnsdall, a young man living with Erb’s Palsy. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am Jordan Barnsdall, 21 years old, I live and work in Sheffield. I had a difficult birth as I was a big baby – 9lb 12oz and suffered…
New Interview with Karen Hillyer, Chair of the Erb’s Palsy Group
We did a Q&A with Karen back in 2017 and we thought the Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2019 would be a good time to catch up with Karen again to see what the charity has been doing over the past two years. Karen has been involved in the Erb’s Palsy Group since 1993 when it was…
We’re Proud To Support Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2019
Ison Harrison has a long association with the Erb’s Palsy Group (EPG) and has worked tirelessly over the years to promote research work into Erb’s Palsy and support families and individuals with the condition. We are proud to have been identified and recommended as an Erb’s Palsy specialist solicitors by the EPG, and this has…