Keeping coronavirus redundancies fair and the alternatives

The Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) has helped many employers keep their staff. But, the winding down of the CJRS and the grim economic forecast mean that employers may need a more flexible workforce and for many sectors, redundancies seem inevitable. Here, we outline alternatives to redundancy and sets out five key elements of a fair redundancy. You should check the Government website for the latest guidance in conjunction with this article, as the guidelines on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are changing frequently.  Speak to your solicitor for specific advice for your business. Coronavirus job retention scheme extension The CJRS runs in its current form until the end of June. From July, ‘flexible furlough’ will allow employees to work part-time and be furloughed part-time. From August until the close of…

Settling a dispute about matrimonial finances during the pandemic

If you are in the middle of getting divorced, or contemplating getting divorced, you may be worried about how the present COVID-19 pandemic will impact on your financial security after separation.  If financial arrangements are disputed, how easy will it be to come to an arrangement and move on with your life? Naturally, people have concerns about whether it will be possible to reach an agreement with the various restrictions in place during the lockdown and of course, people are worried about declining asset values, reduced incomes and business uncertainty.’ Our family lawyers have embraced online communications We use all the latest technology to ensure our clients will not be left in financial limbo.  It is still possible to achieve a legally binding financial settlement, even during the pandemic.  We will consult with you over the…

When a spouse or partner is abusive during lockdown

Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has caused seismic changes to all of our lives, including our family life. During the lockdown we are all forced to isolate in our homes, and for some this forced time together and the disruption to our normal routines can act like a pressure cooker leading to heated disputes.  It has been reported by Refuge, a domestic abuse charity, that there has been a 25 per cent increase in calls for help during the lockdown.  It can be a particularly scary time if you live with a violent or abusive partner. For couples who have separated, we have also seen that difficulties organising child contact arrangements can be a source of abuse. If you find yourself facing abuse, you may feel that at present you have little choice. Robert Bellhouse family…

Commercial property landlords and COVID-19 – what are your options?

After the immediate shock of the lockdown and the March quarter day which came soon afterwards, commercial property landlords are taking stock and working out their options for the next few months. Landlords who take the right steps now, with the right advice, will have the best chance of preserving a strong portfolio for the future.   ‘Collaboration will be the key to surviving this economic shock,’ says David Hyams, commercial property solicitor with Ware & Kay in York.  ‘Commercial property tenants are leading the way with requests to defer rent and make other changes to their leases.’ Most commercial property landlords understand the need to work with their tenants but it is important to discuss any proposals with your solicitor, who will explain any long-term consequences and make sure any changes are properly documented. Rent…

COVID-19 furlough scheme update and key risks for employers

As the lockdown continues, the Government has extended access to its coronavirus job retention scheme and employers are settling in to a new way of working. Business life may have drastically changed, but employment law still applies. Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York highlights important developments to the furlough scheme and addresses three key risks facing employers. You should check the Government website for the latest guidance in conjunction with this article, as the guidelines on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing daily. The guidance and the Treasury direction are inconsistent in places. You should speak to your solicitor for specific advice for your business. Coronavirus job retention scheme update The HMRC online portal opened on 20 April to allow employers to claim the grant covering some employment costs while staff are…

Beware increased fraud risk during the coronavirus – nine scams to watch out for

Unfortunately, alongside all the goodwill and community spirit which is coming to the fore during the current crisis, the coronavirus pandemic will also be seen as an opportunity for criminals and fraudsters. Action Fraud have advised that fraudsters will use any opportunity they can to take money from people. This includes exploiting tragedies and global emergencies and preying on the kind nature of people. Everyone needs to be extra vigilant at this time and watch out for scams such as these. 1. Tricking you into revealing personal information Watch out for suspicious and unexpected emails or text messages asking you to: update your details; click on a link to approve or validate something; or login to your account via a link. 2. Tricking you into handing over your bank card and pin number Take…

Content sources for Government support for UK businesses during the coronavirus pandemic – as at 30 March 2020

Business owners should take advice from an expert commercial solicitor on specific contracts and how the issues set out could apply to their own business.  There are a number of sources of information on the internet that can be consulted for more general guidance some of which will be updated on a regular basis. General guidance can be found by navigating from the Government website. Sources of specific support are listed below in alphabetical order by topic and include: Accommodation providers Bank lending Business loan interruption scheme Business rates Business rates review Business rents Business support grant funding Businesses trading internationally Compulsory closure of businesses: www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close?utm_source=77e9a975-dcba-4146-b1f9-d36e8d01465f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-plans-to-enforce-closure-of-businesses-and-other-venues--2 www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance Corporate financing facility: www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses#support-for-larger-firms-through-the-covid-19-corporate-financing-facility www.bankofengland.co.uk/markets/market-notices/2020/ccff-market-notice-march-2020 Data protection…

Government publishes advice for landlords and tenants during the coronavirus crisis

The Government published ‘COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities’ on 28 March 2020. This guidance gives details of measures to help renters during the current coronavirus crisis. It clarifies the proposals, which the Government announced previously, for a temporary ban on evictions. If you are a landlord, you may be worried about what will happen if your tenant fails to pay the rent and you cannot get your property back. Firstly, the guidance stresses that tenants should continue to pay their rent where they can and to discuss any problems with their landlord. Your tenant will still be liable for the rent during their occupancy and, if they are struggling financially because of the crisis, the possibility of missed payments and default increases; So, it therefore makes sense to address any issues…

Family and children and coronavirus FAQs

We are living in worrying times and while we are all anxious about the health risks arising from the coronavirus pandemic, there are additional concerns for parents of young children.  Alongside disruption to schooling and usual routines, there may be additional concerns arising from relationship breakdown, domestic violence or other family disputes. Robert Bellhouse family law expert at Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby takes a look at some of the frequently asked questions on the impact of the coronavirus on family law matters. You should check the Government website for the latest guidance in conjunction with this article, as the guidelines on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing daily. Q 1 - During the ‘lockdown’ should my children see their other parent? Michael Gove MP has confirmed that travel is permitted to allow children…

Coronavirus FAQs for employers - 30 March 2020

Since the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, the Government has responded with a raft of new measures to help employees and employers.  Although the circumstances are exceptional, employers need to take care that they comply with the usual employment law requirements. These changes have been pushed through quickly and it is uncertain how some of these will play out. Gillian Reid, employment law expert with Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby responds to some of the big questions arising out of these changes, with a focus on statutory sick pay and the new scheme to help employers avoid making their staff redundant.   You should check the Government website for the latest guidance in conjunction with this article, as the guidelines on the coronavirus (Covid-19) are changing daily and speak to your solicitor for specific…