News & Events

A recent court case illustrates just how important it is for employers of domestic and household staff to be as sure as possible of the prospective employee’s character. In the case in point a butler working for a HNW family stole art and jewellery worth 1.9 million to fund a gambling addiction. He was jailed […]

Fees for residential and nursing homes have risen at their fastest rate to reach an average of ￡33,000 a year, according to a survey. The annual cost of a place at a care home rose by 9.6 per cent last year, almost twice the rate of the increase the previous year, it found. Increased longevity […]

The Government’s scheme for individuals  to apply for tribunal fees refunds has been rolled out to all applicants, after a successful opening phase of the scheme Following the Supreme court in July 2017 that the employment tribunal fees regime is unlawful, the Government immediately ceased requiring employment tribunal claimants to pay a fee. The Ministry […]

This new year heralds probably of some of the greatest changes in the UK for decades. The big issue is of course Brexit and the affect it will have on a huge range of issues in our lives. However, there are many other Bills due to go through parliament this year. Below we have resumed […]

To remind you of important dates coming up. Firstly, this year’s remaining Bank holidays for England and Wales as well as those for 2019 and some notes on how you can react as an employer. 2018 England and Wales Summer Bank Holiday         Monday 27 August Christmas Day                       Tuesday 25 December Boxing Day                            Wednesday 26 December Scotland Summer […]

Over 150,000 UK workers are set to receive a pay rise, and it’s all voluntary on the part of the employers. This pay rise is because their employers have signed up to the Living Wage..but haven’t we all? Actually, no. The Living Wage is totally separate from the government’s compulsory National Minimum Wage and the […]

New research shows how difficult it is in the UK for many to break out of poorly paid jobs, in direct contrast to the situation of domestic staff who pass through our doors. The Social Mobility Commission has said that low pay is “endemic” in the UK, with women more likely to get stuck on […]

An appalling list of deficiencies in a residential care home which charged between ￡680 and ￡1,350 a week highlights once again that cost does not equal quality and reinforces the need to consider other care options. Inspectors found a resident, who previously had deep vein thrombosis, was left in bed for a year. Other residents […]

We are all aware that changes are in the air regarding Brexit and freedom of movement for EU nationals and the risk of changes to the current regime. So it may well occur to you that it would be prudent not to take on an EU national applicant, even if their qualifications suit the position, […]

A legal case currently going though the European Court of Justice (ECJ) may impact employers who have engaged workers on a self-employed basis and therefore not given paid holidays. This could apply to all employers, including those who have engaged household support staff on this basis for a period of time. The view of the […]