Tughans Solicitors

For better or worse? Considering the rights of cohabiting couples

‘Cohabitation’, where a couple live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership has become the fastest-growing relationship type in the UK, with more than 4 million couples currently choosing this lifestyle. Despite such relationships being commonplace, the law has been slow to keep up, and combined with a persistent and misplaced reliance on... Read More

Marriage, Wills and Legal Challenges

In an interesting case before the England & Wales High Court, an application by a widower for summary judgment has been refused. In Lattimer v Karamanoli , the claimant argued that his marriage to the terminally ill testator revoked the Will which she had executed in his presence the previous day. The case raises interesting... Read More

Should Employers Consider Introducing an Electric Vehicle Policy

In efforts to reduce emissions and protect the environment, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with predictions that by 2040, the majority of cars sold will be electric. In line with their environmental obligations, together with the cost saving advantages, many employers have started to incorporate electric vehicles into their businesses. With this in mind,... Read More

Jenkinson v Hertfordshire CC: Novus Actus Re-visited

A common perception in medical negligence law is that a ‘Specific Rule’ exists as a necessary ingredient of a novus actus interveniens defence in the context of subsequent medical interventions: that only gross negligence by the hospital could break the chain of causation. However, the recent decision of the High Court in England by Baker... Read More

To Deal or Not to Deal: Re Avanti Communications Ltd.

The recent judgment of the High Court of England & Wales in Re Avanti Communications Ltd EWHC 940 (Ch) considers issues arising as a result of the wording of restrictive covenants within security and the type of impact those restrictions can have as to whether the relevant charge is properly characterised as a fixed... Read More

Key Legal Implications of Large Language AI Models such as ChatGPT

A prime example of disruptive technology, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to revolutionise the way entire industries think and operate. The rapid development of large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are now challenging our understanding of the line between human and machine creativity and how that fits into our current regulatory... Read More

Flexible Working Requests

Employers and employees continue to face challenges in the workplace in the aftermath of the pandemic. Some employers are encouraging a return to the office, while others are choosing to  continue with hybrid or even exclusively remote working arrangements. Commonly, flexible working requests relate  to a change in working hours, however employees can also use... Read More

When Short-Term Sickness Leave Becomes a Recurrence: Steps to Consider

Periods of short-term sickness absence can have a major operational impact for a business when it starts to happen on a recurring basis, and for small businesses the impact can be felt even more acutely. There are many issues that can arise when an employee is unfit for work. How the situation is handled will... Read More

Extending an Employee’s Probationary Period

Tughans’ Employment Partner Patricia Rooney and Associate Emma Doherty, look at the issue of underperformance during an employee’s probationary period and considerations for employers should they wish to extend the period of probation. Many employers will incorporate a probationary period into the contract of employment to monitor and assess an employee’s performance and suitability to... Read More

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Promoting a diverse workplace culture is beneficial to employers and employees alike, as it encourages employee retention, helps to attract the best talent, increases employee productivity, promotes the employer’s reputation, and assists in meeting the employer’s statutory obligations. In the workplace, diversity is mainly associated with certain protected characteristics e.g. age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and... Read More