Do you need an employment policy for AI use at work?

Rapid changes are underway in the world of work due to the increased use of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) products that are available to employees and contractors. As with any innovation, it can take a while to fully understand the benefits and the risks, and for policies and procedures to catch up. ‘Employers and recruitment agencies use AI in recruitment; and employees are making use of AI to carry out their jobs, sometimes on their own initiative,’ says Jessica Gowar, Head of Employment with Ware & Kay Solicitors. ‘While the advantages can be transformational, using AI is not without risk and now might be a good time to consider developing a policy on the use of AI by employees, and to check with your recruitment agencies how they use it’. Jessica highlights key areas…

Negotiating changes to a child arrangements order

If you had to go to court to obtain a child arrangements order, it probably came as a relief once it was in place and you could settle into a routine with your child. However, family life is forever evolving and there are many reasons why you may seek changes to the existing court order. Hopefully such changes can be achieved by amicable agreement. However, sometimes proposed changes can be contentious and may require the support of a solicitor or the intervention of the family court. When can I seek changes to my order? ‘A change in your child’s circumstances may require you to seek a variation of a child arrangements order, particularly if this change means the terms of the current order can no longer be upheld’ explains Samantha Sinclair, Head of Family Law with…

Four common mistakes with employment contracts

Although there is no legal obligation for employers to provide a contract of employment for their employees, there is a legal requirement to provide a written statement of terms, or “particulars” of employment as soon as employers engage new personnel. This is often a confusing distinction, so why not start with a clear contract of employment which outlines both employer and employee responsibilities and obligations from day one and avoid the headache of disputes later? “The relationship between an employer and an employee is, at its root, a personal one. Both employee and employer should understand and accept the terms of their relationship jointly in order to make that relationship work effectively. Contracts of employment are the backbone of the workplace relationship” says Jessica Gowar, Head of Employment with Ware & Kay. “It is not…

The internet of things, and buying a ‘smart’ home

A house which ‘thinks’ for itself, adapting the ambient temperature minute-by-minute, watering your plants while you are away, controlling access based on biometrics. That may seem like the stuff of science fiction or Grand Designs. However, many of us have already incorporated smart devices into our homes, from smart lights you control from your mobile phone to video doorbells. ‘As technology develops, fully or partially automated homes and buildings are becoming an option and more developers are building homes which incorporate modern technology,’ says Catherine Edge, Deputy Head of Residential Property in York with Ware & Kay. ‘However it is not as simple as agreeing to keep the washing machine, as buying a smart home also involves the transfer of hardware and software and related privacy issues. So, it is important to choose a solicitor who…