The burning question in many commercial tenants’ minds is whether they are obliged to pay rent even though the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to shut down their premises and cease trading. In a ground-breaking case, the High Court has ruled that, no matter where sympathies may lie, the answer to that question is ‘yes’. Continue reading →

Some employers continue to labour under the misapprehension that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – otherwise known as the Furlough Scheme – relieves them of their legal obligation to pay their staff. An Employment Tribunal (ET) ruling showed how costly that mistake can be, both in financial and reputational terms. Continue reading →

The law encourages so-called DIY housebuilders by enabling them to reclaim VAT paid on materials used in the construction of their homes. As one couple found out to their cost, however, the rules of the scheme are strict and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) tend to take a hard-line approach to enforcing them. Continue reading →

If you are an air passenger whose flight has been cancelled or significantly delayed you have a legal right to compensation – unless the airline can show that the delay or cancellation was caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances’. The Court of Appeal analysed the meaning of that phrase in an important test case. Continue reading →

Workplace whistleblowing is an act of good citizenship and the law frowns deeply on employers who fail to respond appropriately. An Employment Tribunal (ET) made that point in awarding substantial compensation to an NHS nurse who complained of racism and bullying on the ward where she worked. Continue reading →

The advent of the internet means that spotless professional reputations, built up over decades, can be traduced at the click of a button. As one case showed, however, if you are on the receiving end of such treatment, you don’t have to take it lying down. Continue reading →

Health and safety and licensing rules that apply to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are strict and landlords who fail to abide by them can expect stiff financial penalties. However, in an important decision, the Upper Tribunal (UT) found that the landlords of three HMOs were effectively criminalised without a fair hearing. Continue reading →

There are very good reasons why you should instruct a solicitor both to draft your will whilst you are still hale and hearty and to regularly update it. A High Court ruling served as a sad example of what can happen otherwise. Continue reading →