Agricultural workers sick pay

As the coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to wreak havoc across the world, the government is now advising everyone to work from home unless they absolutely cannot. For agricultural businesses, Covid-19 is particularly challenging given that if their workers fall ill or have to self-isolate, very few can carry out their duties from home.  When it comes to allocating sick pay for ill or self-isolating agricultural workers, the situation can be more complex than it is for other industries, as Gillian Reid employment law specialist at Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby explains. Most workers who are advised to self-isolate or have fallen ill with Covid-19 will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from day one if: they are classed as an employee and have done some work for their employer; have been ill for at least…

Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus outbreak

Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government is urging parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible, and to alter their usual processes. Holly Stevens, a Solicitor in the residential property team with Ware & Kay outlines the key points from the latest advice released on 26 March 2020. Click here to read the Government announcement. Buying and selling homes during this stay-at-home period There is no need to pull out of a transaction, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding. Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority. Moving into an empty property…

What are Ware & Kay’s arrangements for making a Will during the coronavirus pandemic?

Ware & Kay has offices in York, Wetherby and Malton, and although these are closed to the public we have robust plans in place to minimise any disruption and to protect our clients, our staff and the wider community.  Our staff are fully equipped for homeworking, and can be contacted by email and telephone, or through our online contact form.  Solicitors from all three offices have already been advising existing and new clients on reviewing and making Wills during the pandemic.  We can send you a questionnaire to complete and return to us, followed by a conversation by telephone or video call.  We will then send you the draft Will by email or by post, respond to any queries you have, and then post you the original Will with instructions for you to sign this at…

New restrictions on evicting commercial tenants

Landlords and tenants of residential property are already likely aware that evictions of residential tenants are soon to be suspended for at least the next three months. What has been less well-publicised is that the Government is also bringing forward emergency legislation to prevent many, if not most, evictions of commercial tenants. The text of the new Coronavirus Bill can be found here. Section 82 will have a large impact on commercial landlords and their tenants. The Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and may be changed. It is likely to come into force very soon. The Bill as it stands will suspend landlords’ right to forfeit the lease and take back their property because of non-payment of rent until at least 30 June 2020, with power to extend this. It appears that this…

Guidance for employers regarding the coronavirus from ACAS

With more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), being reported in the UK each day, employers will be wondering how to handle the issue especially as they may need to react fast if a situation develops in the workplace or if there are concerns about the health of a particular employee. Gillian Reid employment law expert at Ware & Kay in York & Wetherby, advises employers to get prepared with some sensible precautionary measures and highlights where to keep up to date on the latest guidance. The best way for employers to keep abreast of the current advice is by visiting the following websites regularly: Government guidance for employers and businesses This website, with information from Public Health England and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, provides guidance on: the novel coronavirus, COVID-19; how to help…

Possible impacts of COVID-19 on property transactions

For clients in the midst of trying to buy, sell or rent a property, the coronavirus outbreak is causing particular uncertainty at all stages in the process. We want to reassure you that our property law team will continue to operate as normally as possible to keep all property transactions on course during this difficult and uncertain time. According to Holly Stevens in the property team at Ware & Kay in York, there are a number of things to consider, depending on where you are with your property transaction. Property viewings If you are still in the early stages of looking to buy or sell your property, take sensible precautions. Before showing prospective buyers or renters around a property, or before going on a viewing: ask if anyone is unwell or is in isolation when…