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Commercial leases during a pandemic

Tenants’ guide to commercial leases during a pandemic

Whilst various lockdown restrictions have been eased, others have only recently been introduced. This has led to a plethora of concerns with some commercial tenants now seeking clarity in respect of their position. Accordingly, we have put together a guide below to clarify some points commonly raised. What to do once your lease term ends? If you have decided to move on upon the end of your contractual term, then all you would need to do is simply move out. However, if recent events have resulted in indecision with your…

When bullying goes on behind the screen

When bullying goes on behind the screen  

In the run-up to this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16th- 20th November 2020, employers are being encouraged to look at how new styles of working may be affecting employees Employers are being encouraged to focus on how they manage and respond to bullying and harassment issues, including cyberbullying, in the new virtual working landscape. Working away from the office, staff may be missing working alongside their colleagues and the chance to have face-to-face meetings, according to a YouGov poll, but few will miss the fear of dealing with…

Pandemic divorce advice spike

Virus transmission spike is matched by divorce advice spike

There are concerns that the latest spike in coronavirus transmissions may see more relationships taking a hit, after a surge in divorce enquiries following the nationwide lockdown. Back to school traditionally sees a peak in petitions for divorce, but this autumn has seen a bigger number of distressed couples seeking support, according to divorce professionals. Data from the Citizens Advice charity showed a 25% rise in searches for advice on divorce during the first weekend in September, compared with the same weekend last year.  This trend has continued, replacing issues…

implications lease

High Court – implications of lease terms when giving up a lease

In a case at the High Court on the 23rd September 2020, the High Court examined how a clause in the lease about returning the property to the landlord at the end of the lease applied where asbestos was left buried across the site at the end of a lease. The tenant had appointed consultants to remove buildings from the site. The consultants' works in dismantling the buildings had disturbed asbestos-containing materials and spread them across the site. As with all such matters, the facts of the case were critical,…

GDPR Companies

GDPR: Companies with EU customers must act now

When the transition period ends and the UK’s exit from the European Union is complete, businesses with customers in Europe will need to keep on the right side of data protection legislation.   Under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation – or GDPR as it is known – there are strict requirements for businesses processing personally identifiable information about individuals who live within the EEA, which comprises the countries within the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. GDPR has continued to apply alongside the UK Data Protection Act 2018 during…

privacy policy contain

What is a privacy policy and what should it contain?

Briefly, a Privacy Policy is a statement that specifies how a data controller collects, stores, processes the personal data provided by the users of a website. As required by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) data controllers should provide certain information to individuals whose personal data is held and used for specific purposes. The definition of personal data includes names, addresses, IP addresses, telephone numbers, date of birth, and financial information, such as debit or credit card details. The GDPR emphasizes that you should be clear about how you…

child on holiday

COVID-19 and the law: Can I take my child on holiday during term-time?

It has been a long and difficult year for most of us, with many considering finally taking a family holiday. With children having returned to school and travel plans frequently changing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, taking children on holiday during term-time may be a consideration for many parents. The rules concerning term-time holidays changed in 2013, and headteachers may no longer grant holidays of up to 10 days in ‘special circumstances’. Headteachers may now only grant permission for term-time absence in exceptional circumstances. But surely, we are…

COVID-19

Bonfires and the law: What are the rules, and have they changed in light of COVID-19?

With the dark nights coming in and summer drawing to a close, you may be considering having a bonfire. Either to dispose of waste that has accrued over the summer, to celebrate bonfire night, or simply to keep you warm in the garden as the evenings get chillier, a controlled fire in your garden may seem like the perfect solution. Specifically, there are no laws against having a bonfire in your garden. However, there are laws to protect the rights of those around you from the nuisance a bonfire may…

New grants for businesses

COVID-19: New grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns

On 9 September 2020, Ministers announced new funding to support businesses that have been forced to close temporarily due to local COVID-19 related lockdowns. To be eligible for the grant, a business will have been required to close due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Businesses still closed at a national level (e.g. nightclubs), will not be eligible for the scheme. Larger businesses will receive £1,500 every three weeks they are required to close. Smaller businesses will receive £1,000. For this purpose, the level of support will be defined as follows: If…

wills witness video

Lights, camera, action… signing your will goes live

Experts are warning against self-directed videos following the announcement by the Government that legislation is to be introduced in September to allow wills to be signed remotely using a live video link. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose a challenge for those wishing to have their wills drafted and signed, the announcement does not loosen any of the strict requirements, but instead adds extra complications. “Many people don’t realise the conditions that must be met if a will is to be valid,” explained Manal Fouad, wills and trusts lawyer…

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