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How long does adverse possession application take

Joanne Ellis
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When dealing with adverse possession matters in England and Wales, it is not uncommon for applicants to have questions regarding the timeline involved. Understanding the length of the adverse possession application process not only provides clarity but...

Diabetes-related negligence compensation guide

Judith Thomas-Whittingham
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Diabetes is a serious, lifelong medical condition affecting millions of people throughout the UK. While the NHS and private medical practitioners strive to provide quality healthcare, mistakes and negligence can unfortunately lead to avoidable...

How long do you have to declare japanese knotweed when selling a house

Joanne Ellis
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Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive species that has caused significant concern for homeowners throughout the United Kingdom. Its rapid spread and resilience in growth make it an urgent matter for any property owner considering selling their home. ...

How do I find restrictive covenants on Land Registry

Joanne Ellis
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When purchasing property or considering developing your existing land assets, it is imperative that you are aware of any restrictive covenants in place. Restrictive covenants are legally binding conditions written into a property's title deeds or Land...

ADHD and neurodivergence: am I entitled to reasonable adjustments in the workplace?

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Being neurodivergent can result in employees having conditions that amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Examples of neurodivergence include ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Section 20 of...

Fence disputes and how to resolve them effectively

Joanne Ellis
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Fence disputes are a common source of friction between neighbours, often escalating quickly into complicated legal matters. Whether it involves the position, ownership, maintenance or construction of fences, disagreements can become acrimonious and costly...

Accessibility and the Equality Act 2010: why businesses must do more

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Recent reports have revealed that UK businesses are losing millions of pounds each month due to lack of accessibility for disabled people. Research indicates that, although approximately 16 million people throughout the UK have a disability, 90% of...

What landlords need to know: when the Renters' Rights Act comes into force and key compliance deadlines

Sophie Chilstone
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The long anticipated Renters’ Rights Act is now law, and major changes are coming soon. To help you prepare, here’s a clear breakdown of when the reforms are suspected to be implemented and what obligations you’ll need to meet. When does...

Enforcing restrictive covenants

Joanne Ellis
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Restrictive covenants are legally binding conditions placed on land or property to control its use and protect surrounding properties. If a covenant is breached, the person or entity benefiting from it may have the right to enforce it. However, enforcing a...

Food Law Code of Practice (England): what businesses need to know in 2025

Paul Loughlin
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The Food Law Code of Practice (the “Code”) sets out how local authorities and other enforcement bodies should carry out official food law controls in England. It dictates how inspections, enforcement action and prosecutions are approached. ...

Mediation reconsidered, again

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In an earlier blog last year, we considered the position relating to mediation following a change to the Civil Procedure Rules in October 2024 to include ‘promoting or using alternative dispute resolution’ in the overriding objective. We...

Bullying and harassment in the workplace

Joanne Ribchester
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Worryingly, the TUC has reported that over a third of employees have suffered bullying in the workplace. There is a fine line between the distinction of workplace bullying and harassment. Bullying is not legally defined as being unlawful, with gov.uk...

Fleet compliance checklist 2025

Paul Loughlin
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With Smart Tachograph 2 becoming mandatory for in-scope vehicles from August 2025, and ongoing reforms to driver hours and enforcement powers, operators should review their compliance now. Use this checklist to prepare your fleet. 1. Tachograph equipment ...

Rent payments on a tenant's credit score: what landlords need to know

Lilly Gregory
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Major news for landlords – rent payments can now be included as part of tenant’s credit score. Credit scores are designed to show lenders how likely you are to repay money. By including rent payments in the same way that mortgage payments...

What is a deed of easement right of way?

Joanne Ellis
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A deed of easement right of way is a legal agreement granting an individual or organisation permission to access or pass across another person's property. Easements of this nature are regularly seen in residential, agricultural, and commercial contexts,...

Renters Rights Act 2025 - what landlords need to know

Sophie Chilstone
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The Renters Rights Act 2025 is the long-awaited government reform of the private rental sector. This represents the most significant change to the private rental sector since the Housing Act 1988. Although the Act has now received Royal Assent, most...

AI and workplace safety: progress, risks and what to do if you are injured

Danielle Callaway
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and workplace safety is no exception. In the UK, where over 500,000 non-fatal workplace injuries occur annually, businesses are increasingly turning to AI to reduce risks and improve...

Can you sell a house with a boundary dispute?

Joanne Ellis
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Selling a property is often a challenging endeavour in itself, and when you factor in a boundary dispute, the process can become significantly more complex. A boundary disagreement with a neighbouring property owner can diminish your property value, delay a...

Transgender Awareness Week: why it matters for equality and the law

Maria Chadwick
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From 13th – 19th November, the UK observes Transgender Awareness Week, a time dedicated to amplifying the voices of transgender and non-binary people, educating the public, and advocating for equality. Why this week matters Transgender Awareness...

Crime and Policing Bill: new measures on pornography and sexual offences

Duncan Phillips
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The new Crime and Policing Bill is steadily making its way through Parliament, currently sitting at the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. This bill is aiming to tackle a multitude of issues, ranging from anti-social behaviour and offensive weapons to...

Rachel Reeves' selective licensing breach - a lesson for landlords

Lilly Gregory
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted to an “inadvertent mistake”, after failing to apply for a selective rental licence for her south London home, following her move to No. 11 Downing Street after the Labour government’s election...

Can my neighbour do building work on a Sunday?

Joanne Ellis
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Dealing with domestic building works can be a challenging experience, especially when they disrupt your daily routine or peaceful weekend relaxation. Many homeowners in England and Wales are unsure of their rights and responsibilities regarding neighbours...