Guide to Intellectual Property Protection
Intellectual property relates to the ownership of different types of literary, artistic and industrial creations. From inventions to innovative designs, intellectual property can prove to be extremely valuable, not only financially but also for individual and commercial recognition. As with any other commercial asset, intellectual property can be bought, sold, licensed, mortgaged or otherwise assigned. […]
What is a Trademark?
The trademark has become the hallmark of modern consumer society. It is a commercially recognised way of indicating origin, quality and reputation. As such, a distinctive trademark can be an effective way of promoting your goods or services, as well as preventing competitors from imitating your brand identity. Under the Trade Marks Act 1994 a […]
Civil Penalty (How to Challenge a Home Office Fine!)
As a UK employer you are under a duty to prevent illegal working by carrying out right to work document checks confirming all of your employees are lawfully allowed to work in the UK and undertake the work on offer. Failure to carry out these checks correctly or failing to carry them out at all […]
Tier 4 to Tier 2 (Switching Employee Visas)
If you are an employer looking to hire an international student graduate who has studied in the UK under Tier 4 of the points based system, the following guidance sets out the process of switching from a Tier 4 to Tier 2 visa. Further reference should also be made to the detailed Home Office guidance […]
Redundancy Process for Less Than 20 Employees
The redundancy process for less than 20 employees is different than if you’re making 20 or more employees redundant within any 90-day period because for 20 or more employees you must follow ‘collective consultation’ rules. Redundancy occurs when an employee’s job no longer exists. There are many reasons behind it, including an immediate need to […]
Auto Enrolment Pensions (An Employers Guide!)
Since the introduction of the Pensions Act 2008, all UK employers are required to enrol certain employees in an auto enrolment pensions scheme and contribute towards it. This is known as Auto Enrolment. If your business employs 1 or more workers aged between 22 and the state pension age and earning over £833 per month […]
Staff Handbook (What it Needs to Include!)
A staff handbook, otherwise known as an employee handbook, employee manual or company handbook, is designed to provide employees with information relating to their working conditions over and above that contained within the contract of employment. Although the employment contract will set out the core terms and conditions governing the working relationship between you and […]
Dismissing an Employee with Less Than Two Years Service
It is trite law that an employee has the right not to be unfairly dismissed, albeit subject to the qualifying service rule as set out under the Employment Rights Act 1996. As the law currently stands, an employee will require a period of continuous service in your employment for ‘not less than two years ending […]