The Prime Minister has declared this the “worst health crisis in a generation”, big words, lots of hype but what effect will this have for the business community in Gloucestershire? Worst case scenario is best explained by the now historic TV show Dad’s Army. “Don’t panic, don’t panic” is the cry. Another thought is “we…
The Court of Appeal made clear in upholding a substantial damages award whose hearing was mildly impaired that those with medical conditions or incapacities are not so serious as to amount to disabilities can win compensation if they suffer discrimination in the workplace. The Court of Appeal made that clear in upholding a substantial damages…
If you are injured at work due to your employer’s failure to keep you reasonably safe, you should seek legal advice straight away. A livery stables worker who did just that after she was injured by a spooked horse won more than £90,000 in damages. Outline of the Case The experienced equestrian was exercising a…
There is a risk that well-meaning or light-hearted marketing or advertising campaigns inadvertently stray into the realms of discrimination. A brewery fell into that trap when it marketed a cut-price beer only to those who identified as women in a satirical attempt to highlight the gender pay gap. What Happened? A customer issued proceedings against…
With the prospect of becoming a homeowner remaining out of reach for many in England and Wales, more people are choosing to rent rather than purchase a property. But what rights do renters have when it comes to repairs on a property? And what can they do if their landlord decides to increase the cost…
Name: Samantha Pennington Job Title: Practice Manager 1.What is your role at Tayntons? I am a Practice Manager. My role includes overseeing the practice management of the firm on a daily basis including developing and improving policies and procedures. 2. What led you to this career? I wanted to be part of a profession which…
Name: Sarah Morgan Job Title: Legal Secretary 1.What is your role at Tayntons? Legal Secretary in the Private Client/Wills and Probate Department assisting a number of fee earners. 2. How long have you worked at Tayntons? 9 years this year! 3. What led you to this career? At first I wanted a change from my…
Name: Mel Hull Job Title: New Business Manager 1.What is your role at Tayntons? New Business Manager – I deal with all incoming new enquiries as well as managing our conveyancing portal service and the outsourced reception team. 2. How long have you worked at Tayntons? I have worked at Tayntons for 9 years!! 3….
Name: Joanne Thompson Job Title: Partner 1. What is your role at Tayntons? I am a Partner in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department. I am responsible for claiming compensation on behalf of people injured in road traffic accidents, accidents at work or in the street. We also deal with claims for compensation for…
What does “common law marriage” mean and is it legally valid? “Common Law Marriage” is likely attributable to the fact that there are common law principles that apply to cohabiting couples. Nevertheless, there continues to be a misconception that a “Common Law Marriage” exists and that it provides the necessary protection for unmarried couples. In…
Road accidents can inflict tragedy on anyone at any time but, if the worst happens, it is the task of specialist lawyers to ensure that fair compensation is paid. In a case on point, the family of a high-flying IT specialist who was fatally injured by a dangerous driver won almost £2 million in damages….
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about getting married abroad and what documentation you need to take with you if you are marrying or entering into a civil partnership abroad. Luke Stephens, our Trainee Solicitor in our Matrimonial department, was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our…
Businesses in which women are under-represented in senior roles invite speculation that the imbalance results from discriminatory sexual stereotyping. A case in the context of the banking sector highlights, Employment Tribunals (ETs) are required to base their decisions not on perception but hard evidence. Outline of the case The case concerned a female vice-president who…
Judges are keen to support insolvency practitioners in their quest to recover funds for the benefit of creditors, and a ground-breaking High Court ruling will no doubt be greeted as a welcome extension of their reach beyond the borders of the UK. Outline of the case The case concerned an English-registered meat wholesaling company in…
Cycling is an activity seen as beneficial by millions, but it is not risk free and, in the event of accidents, specialist lawyers are always there to ensure that victims are fairly compensated. In one case, a pensioner who was knocked off his bike and catastrophically injured received seven-figure damages. What happened? The man was…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about New Years resolution and how making a Will should be a top priority of 2020 – New Year, New Will. Janine Guthrie from our Private Client department were on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below: 1. Talk…
When doubts persist as to where blame for an accident lies, obtaining compensation in full for those who are injured can be an almost impossible task. Even in such difficult cases, however, specialist personal injury lawyers are adept at winning substantial sums for their clients. The point was made by the case of a middle-aged…
The Christmas adverts are on the TV and we’ve been hearing Christmas songs everywhere, which must mean that Christmas is just around the corner! We thought this was the perfect opportunity to let you all know our opening hours over the Christmas period. Christmas Shutdown 23rd December – 9am – 1pm 24th December – Closed…
Tayntons Solicitors are overjoyed to be sponsoring the Regeneration category of the ‘Believe in Gloucester’ Awards. Having offices that sit in the very heart of Gloucester, the team pride themselves on working with their community, celebrating the success and achievement that stems from the city and playing an active part in the thriving community of…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how a Solicitor is the best person to turn to for advice when facing legal issues. Our Litigation Solicitor, James Melvin-Bath, provides an insight into his role as a Solicitor and how his advice assists clients. What are the main misconceptions you think clients have…
Many long leaseholders mistakenly believe that they have much the same rights as freeholders and can do pretty much what they like with their properties. As one case strikingly showed, however, ignoring the terms of your lease can put both your home and your investment at risk. Outline of the Case The case concerned a…
Those intent on changing jobs can easily have their heads turned by glittering offers of remuneration and benefits made over lunch and a handshake. As one case strikingly highlights, it is written terms of engagement that matter. Taking expert advice is the best way to avoid bitter disappointment. What happened? The case concerned two very…
When deciding whether a document is a binding contract or merely an agreement to agree, the guiding principle is whether the terms are sufficiently clear and certain to be enforceable in practice. In an instructive High Court case, that test was met by a handwritten note made by a mediator in the context of a…
The teacher was not a casual worker, but worked only during school terms under a zero-hours contract. The trust that ran the school was not required to provide her with a fixed minimum amount of work. The number of hours she worked was dependent on the level of pupil demand for her tuition. She was…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how as Solicitors we can provide tailored, expert legal advice you can rely on. Jessica O’Shea, one of our Solicitors in our Childcare department, was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below: Tell us about your role…
Every business person who has that entrepreneurial sixth sense to smell out opportunity and the courage to grasp it will need good professional advice. They might consider any professional advice to be too staid and cautious but after having their fingers burned once, they can see that correct professional advice is indispensable if they are…
On Friday 13th September, we hosted our first ‘Charity Quiz Night’ in aid of Maggie’s Cheltenham. We started things off by testing the team’s knowledge with 2 picture rounds, Flags & Road Signs, and a round of Film & TV. Teams were reminded they had ‘Joker’ cards to play for double points for whichever round…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how we can help support clients through a breakdown in a relationship. Luke Stephens, our Trainee Solicitor in our Matrimonial department, was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below: As a solicitor how do you ease stress…
With the current economic uncertainty, the number of Settlement Agreements (previously Compromise Agreements) being offered to employees has greatly increased. They are typically used in redundancy situations. It is a document that many of us have heard of but what is it and what does it do? In essence, it is a legally binding contract,…
Only liquidated debts, for specific amounts which have been ascertained fully and finally, can form the basis of bankruptcy petitions. As a High Court case shows, discerning which debts fall into that category can be far from straightforward. Outline of the Case The case concerned a businesswoman who had engaged in joint ventures to build…
Some employers treat their staff disgracefully but, no matter how bad their conduct may be, the objective of the tribunal system is not to punish them but to compensate those who suffer at their hands. A case on point concerned an immigrant worker who was plunged into depression after suffering extortion at his boss’s hands….
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how a Solicitor can help you include a gift to charity in your Will. Ruth Appleton from our Private Client department was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below. What are the benefits of leaving a gift…
One would have thought that sophisticated financial professionals engaged in high value deals would have the sense to get their agreements recorded in writing by a professional. However, that is sadly not universal practice and a High Court case illustrated the kind of disputes to which such failures can give rise. Outline of the Case…
Our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, provides answers to some popular questions about Employment and what to do if you are facing problems in the workplace. What is Employment Law? Employment law is a set of laws that deal with the rights of employees and the responsibilities of an Employer. Employment law covers a wide…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter this morning about how they give clients peace of mind by providing expert legal advice during what can be a stressful time. Our Litigation Solicitors, Alex Lyttle and James Melvin-Bath, gave us an insight into their day-to-day tasks as a Solicitor. As a solicitor, explain to us how…
When it comes to property, the old maxim is that only three things matter: Location, location, location. At the turn of the millennium, it is fair to say Gloucester was far from a prime spot with businesses unwilling to relocate to the city. At this time, Tayntons had only one member of staff dedicated to…
If you are facing court proceedings, burying your head in the sand is the worst option you can take. You should consult a lawyer immediately. In this case, a pair of business people who failed to take that sensible step were stripped of valuable shareholdings and had their behaviour criticised by the trial judge. Outline…
We asked our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, some popular questions on starting up a new business and how Tayntons can assist business owners with issues that could potentially arise. Which areas of Employment can Tayntons assist with to help business owners? Our employment specialists are highly experienced and have supported businesses of all sizes…
The formalities that must be met when making a will are strict and failing to adhere to them to the letter can result in your wishes being frustrated after your death. That is exactly what happened in one case in which a generous mother’s final will was declared invalid by the High Court. What happened?…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how Solicitors can help cohabiting couples protect their rights and the considerations unmarried parents should be aware of. Luke Stephens, our Trainee Solicitors in our Matrimonial department was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below: What does…
Helping friends in financial trouble is one thing, but assisting them in defrauding their creditors is quite another. In this case, a woman who came to the dishonest aid of a businessman facing bankruptcy was herself hit hard in the pocket. Outline of the case The woman was sole director and shareholder of an entirely…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about the misconception that Wills are only for older people. We’ve set out our answers out below: At what point in their life can someone make a will? And at what point should they make a will? You can make a Will at any point in…
Our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, comments “When companies collapse, it can sometimes leave employees high and dry. However, a recent Tribunal decision found that an employee taking swift legal action is not without government protection when a company goes bust. ” “In this particular case a holiday company encountered severe financial difficulties, and entered…
Making a will without professional advice is a positive invitation to dispute after you are gone. That was certainly so in the case of a vulnerable alcoholic who had a pint of beer in front of him when he signed will forms in a pub, leaving everything he owned to a taxi driver who had…
As your company grows, so does the risk to it if you are not completely up-to-date with your HR and legal needs. Leaving things to chance, or expecting what you have always done to suit the needs of an expanding business is dangerous. Failing to prepare for all eventualities, will mean your business will prepare…
Is it directly or indirectly discriminatory that men are paid less when on shared parental leave than women on maternity leave? In a ground-breaking decision, the Court of Appeal has answered that burning question in the negative. Women are entitled to 52 weeks’ leave after giving birth, 39 of them paid. The first six of…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about how employers can support employees when it comes to expressing their gender identity. Our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below. 1.What are The Equality Act 2010 and The Gender Recognition…
Our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, comments “Discriminating against an employee due to their disability is unlawful, however it does not mean that an employer has to ignore health difficulties when deciding if an employee is fit enough for a particular role. This has been reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in this latest case…
In an era of apparently ever-increasing property prices, many young people rely on the so-called ‘bank of mum and dad’ to help buy their first homes. In a ground-breaking decision, the High Court took that into account in awarding the three dependent sons of a road accident victim more than £200,000 in damages. Our Trainee…
We participated in Solicitors Chat on Twitter answering questions about why good communication between clients and solicitors is so important. Our Chartered Legal Executive, Lucy Watson, was on hand to provide some much needed guidance. We’ve set out our answers out below. How do you help your clients understand their case when it comes to…
To contact us please call 01452 522 047 or 03330 145451 or email info@tayntons.co.uk
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