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Wealth Tax or Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Many observers of the London property market would have been hoping for a reduction in Stamp Duty Land Tax rates in the UK government's recent budget announcement, but to no avail.

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Vacant properties ‘stolen’ by fraudsters

A recent High Court case, Dreamvar (UK) Ltd -v- Mishcon De Reya (A Firm), demonstrated that the Land Registry could spot a fraudulent transaction.

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Courts hit high and hard with new health and safety fines

One year after the introduction of tough new health and safety sentencing guidelines, a series of high profile cases show that courts are not holding back when it comes to imposing the higher fines, which can be directly linked to a corporate defendant’s turnover.

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Complex challenges for employers in the year ahead

Constant changes and increasing complexity have helped make employment law a frontline challenge for business and this year looks set to continue the trend.

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Getting to work amidst travel chaos and disruption

There are several reasons why employees may have trouble getting to work because of major disruptions. The common cause recently is the ASLEF and RMT strikes affecting Southern and Gatwick Express train services, with the next bout of strikes planned for 24, 25 and 27 January. On Monday, tube strikes also affected commuters having a massive impact on businesses in London. And with today’s weather both ice and snow are affecting the roads and public transport around the country. The question is what can employers do?

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Equal Pay Day 2016

Equal pay day falls today, 10 November 2016, only one day later than last year. This means that women stop earning relative to men today.

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Insight

DIY probate in England – understanding the risks

In England and Wales, probate is the procedure by which the deceased’s will is proven in court and the executors are given authority to distribute the estate. If there is no will, a similar process applies through “letters of administration”.

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What happens if there’s no will?

Someone passing away without a valid will is more common than you might expect. When this happens in England, the person is said to have died intestate, and it means the law steps in to decide what happens to their estate.

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Upward-only rent reviews to be banned in new commercial leases

The government has announced a significant reform to commercial property law in England and Wales. As part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, upward-only rent review clauses will be banned in new commercial leases, marking a substantial shift in landlord–tenant dynamics.

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Family court hearings: What are these and when do they apply?

When relationships break down, it’s not always possible to sort out between yourselves where the children will live. In situations like this, the family courts in England and Wales provide a structured way to resolve disputes, with the child’s welfare at the centre of all decisions. But what are family court hearings, what do they deal with, and when might you find yourself involved in one?

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Business structures in the UK: Choosing the right option for your new venture

Starting your own business is an exciting challenge, but before you take your first steps, choosing the right business structure is essential. Your decision at the outset can influence everything from how you’re taxed to how much personal financial risk you take on.

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Different minds demand a different mindset

As diagnoses of ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence increase, the challenge for employers is no longer awareness, but action. From legal obligations under the Equality Act to the cultural shift in how we understand difference, the workplace is being rewired.

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