The new Employment Landscape for farmers

Finding, and retaining good, loyal and reliable employees is a challenge for every employer – but especially so for farmers since Brexit, according to a survey commissioned by Arla in 2024, which states that famers are now paying more for their staff, in addition to increased stock and running costs. In addition to Brexit, the Employment Rights Bill may bring further contractual issues as most farm employers typically use a combination of full time, fixed term employees, agency workers and seasonal workers on zero hours contracts. Our Employment Team at Ware & Kay warn that soon, zero hours contracts will be considered to be exploitative and therefore will be banned, so farmers need to act now to stay ahead of the curve, and protect themselves from potential problems and employment claims arising. It is important to…

Financial disclosure - Who? What? When? How?

As part of the process of reaching a financial settlement in respect of the finances when going through divorce or dissolution proceedings, you will need to provide details and documentary evidence of your financial situation including your income, capital, assets and liabilities. This is called the duty of financial disclosure. Throughout the negotiations (and any court case), you will be under an ongoing duty to disclose any changes to your financial situation. This is to ensure any settlement reached is in light of the up to date financial landscape of the parties. If it is later found that a party has not provided full and accurate financial disclosure, for example if they have failed to disclose a property they have an interest in, this could invalidate any settlement reached. It is a good idea to seek…

The effective use of probation periods to manage performance

Many managers will know from experience that even if they follow a robust and thorough recruitment process, this does not guarantee that the employee is up to the job. The effective use of a probationary period is one way to reduce the risks, and this is expected to become increasingly important when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 fully comes into effect. The proposed changes will allow employees to bring a claim for unfair dismissal from their first day of employment, rather than needing two years’ service. It is expected that employers will still be able to dismiss fairly during a limited initial period (nine months is the Government’s current preference), provided they still use a ‘light-touch’ process. As a minimum this is likely to include at least one performance management review on record together with written…

What happens after completion of your property purchase

If you are buying a home, you will probably breathe a sigh of relief on completion as you pick up the keys to your new home and can finally move in. However, this is not the end of the conveyancing process, and there are several things your solicitor must still do to protect your interests. As a homebuyer, your interest in the legal formalities is likely to diminish after completion and this is entirely understandable. Nevertheless, the post-completion stages of conveyancing are important too, as they help to prevent problems arising in the future when you might wish to sell and move again.’ Our experts outline the key tasks which happen after completion, and why they are important. Dealing with any mortgages If your seller has a mortgage, your solicitor must ensure it is discharged…