Graeme Kirk

1. What measures can be put in place if you fall ill, to ensure your wishes are followed?You can put in place a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney. This is a document which enables you to provide authority to your chosen Attorneys to make decisions for you with regard to the care you…

There were approximately 975 child abduction offences recorded by Police in England and Wales in 2020 and 2021. That is a reduction of cases from 2018 and 2019, but nearly twice the amount of child abductions when compared with 2012 and 2013, when the figures were around 513 cases. The reduction is also likely to…

How does the Equality Act 2010 protect employees when going through the menopause? Menopause discrimination is largely covered under the protected characteristics of disability, sex and age. Whilst the menopause in itself does not amount to a disability, the symptoms of such can amount to a disability if they are substantial (in other words more…

With most parties wishing to avoid the cost and upheaval of prolonged court proceedings, offers to settle are frequently made and can be an effective way to bring resolution. Instinct is to scan the offer and concentrate on the all-important number being offered but beware! Part 36 offers are constructed to allow the offering party…

Ellisons Solicitors has revealed ambitious and exciting plans for its future by welcoming its first seven apprentices to its offices across Essex and Suffolk. In a move praised by community leaders, the forward-thinking firm has offered the alternative training route to allow more people to follow their chosen career path without the need for university.…

We have written several articles recently surrounding building safety, and how those who find themselves caught in the middle of the issues might handle it. However, thought should also be given to those who are contemplating buying a flat. It is of fundamental importance to those buying a property to feel as though what they…

UK employers are required to comply with all immigration regulations and Home Office guidance, including the requirement to conduct Right to Work Checks before employment commences.  The Home Office have a prescriptive checking service which includes checking a prospective employees required documents in their presence and date stamping the copy documents to confirm when the…

There have been media reports that European Union citizens upon arriving in the UK are being detained by UK Immigration Officers after trying to enter the UK for work related reasons but without being in possession of the appropriate visas. Currently, EU Nationals who are looking to enter the UK visa free in order to…

On 3rd March 2021, the Government announced its approval of Freeport East, a combination bid to designate together the Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich International as a Freeport. Freeport East offers an opportunity for imports to arrive from abroad into the Freeport zone using simplified documentation and no tariffs. Freeport East is not simply limited…

THE UK IMMIGRATION OPTIONS The UK has for many years been the beneficiary of significant inward investment by Chinese Corporations and Entrepreneurs. There are many UK Companies owned by Chinese Investors and Entrepreneurs and also Chinese investments throughout the United Kingdom. London continues to be one of the leading Global financial centres, even after Brexit…

The Home Secretary has announced details of the visa scheme for British National (Overseas) Citizens and their immediate dependents, which will be open for applications from January 2021. There will be no skills tests or minimum income requirements, economic needs tests or caps on numbers. In addition, applicants do not need to have a job…

Looking back over the last 10 weeks is, in all honesty, a bit of a blur. Days seem to have drifted into weeks and weeks into months. It is almost unbelievable that we have now entered June. It is hard to believe that we were wearing winter coats when all this started as it seems…