Tughans Solicitors

Covid Recovery – Warehousing and Logistics Leads the Way

The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly challenged traditional consumer behaviour. The demand for online services has been increasing over the past decade but the pandemic has certainly accelerated this trend. The closure of the high street meant businesses and consumers had to become dotcom ready as people from across all generations were forced to use the... Read More

The implications of Service Provision Change (SPC) and understanding SPC Regulations

The HR Manager of a cleaning company has been informed that they have lost a contract with a key client, who has appointed a new cleaning company to take over the cleaning services. The HR Manager is seeking advice on whether TUPE applies in this case and how they should manage the outcome of the... Read More

Assessing contributory negligence on a case by case basis

In the recent Court of Appeal decision of Gul v McDonagh another (2021) EWHC Civ 1503, delivered 13th October 2021, it was determined a minor claimant could be found to be contributory negligent.  In this instance the Claimant/Appellant was 13 years 8 months old and had been injured when struck by the Defendant vehicle whilst crossing... Read More

What is a Family Investment Company?

Family Investment Companies (FICs) are not a new phenomenon, but they have been gaining in popularity over recent years as an effective estate planning tool, especially since changes to the taxation of trusts have made discretionary trusts a less attractive option.   What is a FIC? A FIC is a company that can be used... Read More

Managing Whistleblowing complaints

Whistleblowing complaints have been on the rise since the beginning of the global pandemic and the government has recently announced that they will be carrying out a review of the whistleblowing legislation to ensure that it is still fit for purpose. Protection for whistleblowers in Northern Ireland is provided under the Public Interest Disclosure Order... Read More

The Cookie “Monster” – What does the future hold for cookies and user analytics in light of new EU Laws

Since the 1990s, websites have had a love affair with using cookies to track user behaviour, as strong as that of Sesame Street’s beloved monster. However with recent moves towards customer privacy, and Google’s plans to phase out third-party cookies on Chrome browsers by 2022, it looks like third-party cookies (i.e. cookies created by parties... Read More

Tax Day is no roadmap – but policy changes hint at a future cut to red tape

Since the report of the catchily named  All Party Parliamentary Group for Inheritance and Inter-generational Fairness (“the APPG”)  was published back in January 2020, there has been much talk amongst UK private client practitioners regarding the potential overhaul of the inheritance tax system. STEP also recently conducted a survey amongst its members on attitudes to... Read More

Dismissal for refusing to wear a face-covering – fair or unfair?

Implementing Covid-19 related health and safety measures in the workplace has been an ongoing challenge for employers this year, as they balance new responsibilities alongside their existing obligations under employment and health and safety law. With face-coverings now mandatory in many workplaces, either under the Coronavirus regulations or workplace health & safety policies, a key... Read More

Furlough scheme extended until end of September

In his Budget speech today, the Chancellor will announce the latest, and perhaps final, extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, until the end of September. This extension forms part of the Chancellor’s wider plan for economic recovery post-Coronavirus, and will give much needed reassurance to employers across all sectors, especially those such as hospitality,... Read More

Covid-19 Vaccinations: Key Considerations for Employers

With the vaccine roll-out well under way, it is important to understand that you, as an employer, cannot force employees to take the vaccine.  Whilst of course you must do all you can to ensure the health and safety of your employees, that does not mean that you can insist on their being vaccinated, and... Read More