Tughans Solicitors

Can an employer commence a redundancy process whilst staff are on furlough?

The employer must have a valid ground for redundancy e.g. that unfortunately, the business will close, or can identify a clear reduction in work to be undertaken by employees. If there is a genuine risk of redundancy, the Company could commence consultation whilst staff are furloughed.   The employer must review how many staff are... Read More

Director’s duties during lockdown

The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma announced on 28 March 2020 plans to amend insolvency legislation in England and Wales to allow breathing space for directors to include the temporary suspension of the wrongful trading provisions from 1 March 2020 for three months which would apply retrospectively. However, these provisions are yet to come into force... Read More

Guidance for employers on the easing of lockdown measures

On Sunday 10 May, the UK Prime Minister announced the Government’s plan for the next stages of dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has since supplemented this with guidance for employers on making workplaces “Covid Secure”. On Tuesday 12 May, the Northern Ireland Executive published its plan... Read More

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

The government has today launched the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), a new addition to its package of financial measures to specifically support small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. The BBLS is delivered by lenders accredited by the British Business Bank and is now open for applications until 4 November 2020, with the government retaining... Read More

Managing employee requests to be placed on furlough

An employee at a business, which is permitted to operate during the current lockdown, has advised that he is not happy to attend work due to a medical condition. Jack Balmer provides advice on how to manage the employee’s request to be placed on furlough.   Your starting point should be to clarify the employee’s... Read More

WEBINAR: Real Estate during Covid-19

This webinar first aired on Wednesday 8 April and features Joe Moore, Real Estate Partner at Tughans. Joe provides advice and guidance on the impact of the coronavirus crisis on commercial tenants, the key implications of the Coronavirus Act 2020 and recommendations for business occupiers in this rapidly evolving environment. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION WITH Q&A... Read More

The Future Fund – Lifeline for UK Start-Ups

What is the scheme? The UK Government has unveiled plans for a new co-investment fund titled the ‘Future Fund’ designed to ensure venture capital backed companies across the UK receive enough investment to remain viable during the coronavirus crisis. The Future Fund will launch in May 2020 and will remain open until the end of... Read More

Covid- 19: Cash is King

“Cash is King” in every business and cash flow is your company’s life blood. In this article, we summarise some key support measures and strategies available to help NI businesses manage your cash flow during the challenging next few months. This article is currently up to date as of 17 April 2020 but will be... Read More

Job Retention Scheme update

HMRC has updated its guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, following the formal directions issued by the Treasury on 15 April 2020 under the Coronavirus Act 2020. Together, these clarify several points regarding the operation of the Scheme. Our full guidance can be accessed here. The qualifying date on which an employee must be... Read More

Obtaining priority at the Land Registry of Northern Ireland

In light of the closure of the Land Registry and its limited functionality, due to the Covid-19 situation, Associate Solicitor, Gavin Robinson sets out below the current procedure for obtaining priority, insofar as possible, when dealing with registered lands. As the Land Registry begins to resume some of its functionality, Gavin Robinson (Associate Solicitor) keeps... Read More