How to split the pension on divorce
It is twenty years since the family courts in England and Wales were given the power to share pensions on divorce (Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999).
Parental Bereavement Leave
A new workplace right for bereaved parents will come into force from 6 April 2020.
Estate Planning: Your Digital Footprint
This article looks at what happens to your digital assets after your death and considers any actions you can take to safeguard against any misdirection of assets, or loss of sentimentally or financially valuable materials.
Reform of IHT - All-Party Parliamentary Group proposal paper
The snappily titled All-Party Parliamentary Group for Inheritance and Intergenerational Fairness (APPG) has published a paper proposing a complete overhaul of the existing UK inheritance tax (IHT) rules.
Non-disclosure agreements in discrimination and harassment cases
Over the past few years, high profile news stories, such as those concerning Harvey Weinstein, and the Presidents Club dinner, have brought the issue of discrimination and harassment in the workplace, as well as the role that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) can play in settling such matters, into the spotlight. As a result, the Government has come under increasing pressure to take positive steps to protect victims of sexual harassment.
Act now to avoid being 'named and shamed' – Fire Safety Update
Whilst it is understood that many applications were received before the 31 December 2019 cut off for applications to be made to the Government's fund for the removal and replacement of dangerous ACM cladding, latest statistics indicate that remedial works to 135 affected privately owned buildings are yet to begin.
Are your employment contract templates up to date?
Employers are required by law to provide their employees with certain information in writing relating to their terms of employment. This is technically known as a “section 1 statement”, and is normally contained within the employment contract. Following the Government’s Good Work Plan, which was published in 2018, the information that employers need to provide is changing with effect from 6 April 2020.
Brexit and EU workers
With a Brexit date of 31 January 2020 looking likely, employers should consider the implications of Brexit on their EU workforce in the UK.
E by 2023 to B by 2030? BPF says yes
As the Forsters commercial real estate team learnt at a recent quiz, “climate strike” was the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2019. As we begin a new decade, the need to combat climate change will no doubt remain at the forefront of conversation, none more so than in the real estate industry.
Reducing the price of Enfranchisement, The Law Commission's latest report
The Law Commission has today published its report on reducing the price payable by leasehold home owners when exercising enfranchisement rights.
This latest report sets out the Commission's recommendations on the valuation aspects of their consultation. They intend to publish three further reports shortly. One will cover all other aspects of a reformed enfranchisement regime, including qualification and the process for bringing a claim, with the remaining two reports looking at right to manage and commonhold.