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Landlord Information and Guidance following the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) report on the steady rise of rents

Tues, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

A recent survey, published on 7 September 2009, by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed that there had been a significant change to the residential rental market during the period May to July 2009. The oversupply of property in the rental market had been keeping rents low since 2008 when the number of what are known as “accidental” landlords increased. The “accidental” Landlords are homeowners who had been unable to sell their properties at the asking price and decided to let the property rather then sell at a lower price. [read more about this article update on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Do I have the right to Legal Representation at Internal Disciplinary Hearings?

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

It is also worth checking your staff handbook, contract of employment or disciplinary procedure because some employers will allow other individuals such as friends or spouses to accompany you. The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures states that employees should make a ‘reasonable request’ to their employers to exercise the right to accompaniment. It also says that it would not normally be reasonable to be accompanied by someone who would prejudice or disrupt the meeting. Companions can address the meeting but cannot answer questions on your behalf [read more about this employment law update on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Discipline and Grievances

Tues, 28 July 2009 10:00:00 GMT

From April 2009 the way in which Employers are expected to handle disciplinary and grievance matters in the workplace has changed. This is because the widely criticised statutory disciplinary and grievance procedures have now been replaced with a new ACAS Code of Practice. There has been a move away from the rigidity of the statutory procedures and the emphasis of the ACAS code is on dealing with problems in the workplace fairly and promptly, and even informally in the first instance. An enhanced ACAS helpline has also been launched which can help to resolve disputes before tribunal action is even contemplated. [read more about this employment law update on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Third Party Capture

Tues, 28 July 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Solicitors groups and road safety charities have recently brought the so-called “third party capture” to the media’s attention. This occurs after you have been involved in an accident and the other party’s insurance company contact you and try to persuade you to settle your claim. These groups are campaigning for strict guidelines to protect victims of road traffic accidents from this practice. [read more about personal injury update on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Motorbike Accident

Mon, 06 April 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Motorbike usage is becoming more popular and the number of motorbikes on our roads is steadily increasing. It is recognised that riding a bike can be hazardous and as a result the chances of being involved in an motorbike accident or crash are fairly high. No matter how safe your riding skills the presence of other road traffic is a constant danger. [read more about motorbike accidents on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Motorbike Accident Statistics

Mon, 06 April 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Motorbike accident statistics show that the use of bikes is increasing every year and unfortunately, as a result, the number of serious injuries and fatal accidents are also increasing. Did you know that The number of motorbike riders killed or seriously injured in 2007 was 6.5% higher than the average for the baseline figure for 1994-98. The biggest increases in casualties were amongst those aged 16- 20 years and 31-35 years. Those killed or seriously injured peak through the 20-39 age bands. [read more about motorbike accidents on the Ascot Lawyers website]

Age Discrimination - The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 GMT

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 came in to force on 1st October 2006, making it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee directly or indirectly or by victimisation or harassment, on the grounds of age. Please note that there may be circumstances when discrimination on the grounds of age is lawful but an employer must prove that this is a proportionate way of achieving a legitimate aim.

National Minimum Wage Increase - Employment Law article

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:20:00 GMT

Employers are required by law to ensure that all workers are paid the national minimum wage and they should keep records to prove this. If an employer refuses to pay the national minimum wage they could face a criminal prosecution and face a fine. Employers could also be made to pay arrears to the worker and any dismissal for refusing to pay the minimum wage is likely to be unfair.

Recovering Debt - Improve your cashflow in the credit crunch

Thu, 16 Sep 2008 11:20:00 GMT

Getting customers to pay their bills can be troublesome at the best of times, but as the current economic instability deepens more and more businesses are finding their cash flow is being restricted through unpaid bills. Many businesses also find that unpaid bills are their biggest unrealised asset. Ascot Lawyers give advice and guidelines on how you can improve your cashflow - read this article in full.

Late Payment - What you can do to prevent and resolve payment issues

Thu, 16 Sep 2008 11:20:00 GMT

In Britain there appears to be a prevailing culture of late payment, particularly in the grip of the current credit crunch. Late payment of debts is particularly troublesome for small businesses that rely upon regular cash flow. Read this article and gain expert advice from Ascot Lawyers.

Redundancy - A guide for Employers and Employees

Thu, 16 Sep 2008 11:20:00 GMT

According to recent news reports, the downturn in the UK economy has meant that more and more employers are making staff redundant. Ascot Lawyers are experts in employment law and redundancy amongst many other areas, and answer questions in this info-packed article aimed at both employers and employees.

Ankle Compensation - Broken ankle caused by faulty shoe

Thu, 20 Aug 2008 22:00:00 GMT

A recent claim saw a young lady receive £7,200 compensation for a broken ankle caused by a faulty heel on her shoe. This could open up hundreds of cases where manufacturers of shoes could be liable for injuries. Dolcis have admitted liability for the accident.

Do I have a claim? Find out in 3 simple steps

Wed, 23 July 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Ascot Lawyers have made the process easy to establish if you have a claim. Complete one of our 3 new online claim forms and our team will assess your claim immediately - www.ascotlawyers.co.uk

Making a successful Medical Negligence Claim

Fri, 25 April 2008 17:00:00 GMT

96% of the NHSLA's cases are settled out of Court. An analysis over the past 10 years shows that 41% of cases were abandoned by the Claimant, 41% settled out of Court and just 4% were settled in Court (mainly Court approvals of negotiated settlements) and 14% remain outstanding. Fewer than 50 medical negligence cases a year are contested in Court. Establishing a legal case for anything, especially Medical Negligence, can at times seem confusing. By breaking it down, it can seem less daunting. In order to understand the legal elements that are required for a successful Medical Negligence claim, we can break the requirements down into four steps.

Solicitors Free legal Advice Worth £338M

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:37:00 GMT

Private practice solicitors provided £338 million worth of work on a no charge basis over the past year - around 2% of the profession's gross fee income. More at www.ascotlawyers.co.uk

Shortage of midwives is putting mothers and babies at risk

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:37:00 GMT

The Royal College of Midwives has issued a warning of cuts to services, stress on staff, fewer home visits, less chance of a homebirth for those who want it, and a shrinking workforce. This is in tandem with the number of births on the increase in the UK. More at www.ascotlawyers.co.uk

Damages agreed for Brain Injury

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:37:00 GMT

Ascot lawyers have recently settled a claim for a client who was involved in a serious head on collision. Our client suffered a head injury, which caused minor microscopic brain damage resulting in continuing headaches and dizziness. More at www.ascotlawyers.co.uk

£85,000 claim settled for neck and back injuries

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:37:00 GMT

the Civil Litigation Team at Ascot lawyers has recently settled a claim for £85,000.00 in relation to a road traffic accident causing neck and back injuries sustained by the client leading to a reduction in the client's ability to work. More at www.ascotlawyers.co.uk