The law has rapidly caught up with the development in electronic communications by broadening the scope of the rules to incorporate emails, text messages, blog posts and every other form of electronic communication into the category of documents that have to be disclosed in litigation.
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Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
Cost of a lie
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Introduction
It is a question nearly as old as employment litigation itself: If as an employer, I win at Employment Tribunal will I be able to recover my costs, from the employee who brought the claim against me? As you may be aware the general rule is no. The reason behind this is that when the legislation was set up it was thought that an employee would be put off taking action against the employer if they had liability for not only their own legal case but also that of the employer. But is this now always the case?
Are All Men Created Equal?
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Introduction
With all the political shenanigans over the last couple of months, it is easy to forget that not everything has changed. If matters proceed as planned the Equalities Act 2010 will come into force this October. Though there is currently some discussion as to whether the new Government will go through with all or any of the Act, it is always good to be prepared.
Social Networking and the Employer’s Confidential Information
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Bringing the personal element into a marketing strategy is increasingly important – and very fashionable – for those services where the customer or client has a high degree of personal interaction with a trusted advisor.
This is the reason why business and social networking sites are the focus of so much attention by marketing professionals at the moment. However, this can all have serious implications for the employer.
The facts about the future of Capital Gains Tax…
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
The Coalition Agreement indicates that Capital Gains Tax will be increased to approximately the same rate as income tax. They have further suggested that there will be “generous reliefs” for entrepreneurial and business assets. So, what does that mean for you?
The truth about HIPs (and EPC’s)
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
The background
Since 2007, sellers have been required to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) when selling their residential properties. The contents of HIPs included property information, searches and energy performance certificates (EPCs).
HIPs are history….
The coalition government has suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with effect from 21 May 2010. However, energy performance certificates (EPCs) will still be required.
What is an EPC?
This is a certificate which will rate on a scale of A-G:
• How energy-efficient the property is, and
• The impact the property has on the environment.
The most efficient property that has the lowest running costs will come into band A. Recommendations are included in the certificate about ways to improve energy-efficiency, to save costs and environmental impact. Your estate agent is obliged to include these two ratings in the property’s sales particulars.
Society welcomes suspension of HIPs
Friday, May 21st, 2010
The Law Society has welcomed the new coalition government’s decision to suspend home information packs (HIPs). This provides an opportunity for the home buying process to be reformed to meet the real needs of the housing market.
Read more about HIPs here
HIPs – your questions answered
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
The news today that HIPs are no longer will present a huge number of questions, not least for those currently buying/selling. This site gives some comprehensive answers.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/buyingselling/homeinformation/homeinfopackquestions/
More to follow.
Breaking news – HIPs scrapped by coalition government with immediate effect
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Does your email policy still protect you?
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Although they aren’t binding in the UK, employers can often learn a great deal from watching how the USA courts interpret matters. A recent case in New Jersey demonstrates exactly why it is so vitally important for employers set out clear policies for personal email and internet usage.