Stephensons

Stephensons is proud to celebrate an incredible milestone as two valued members of our team, Pauline Smith and Sharon Edwards, mark 40 years of service with the firm. Their dedication, experience and commitment over four decades have played an important part in the firm’s continued success. Pauline Smith Pauline is a Senior Associate Executive in our Personal Injury department.

Understanding your rights when calling in sick is crucial for maintaining both your job security and your well-being. At Stephensons, our employment law specialists are frequently asked about the legal protections and responsibilities that apply when an employee is unable to attend work due to illness. This guide outlines your rights as an employee in the UK, the procedures you should follow when reporting sickness, and what employers are legally allowed to do in relation to absence.

Families in England and Wales come in many different shapes and sizes and amongst all of these families there are both married and unmarried couples. But do these different couples have the same rights if their relationship ends due to death or separation? In short, no. Despite what many people think, a common law marriage is a concept that does not actually exist.

Boundary disputes between neighbours can often become complicated, emotionally charged, and difficult to resolve. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, clearly-defined boundaries are essential to avoiding unnecessary conflicts and ensuring the harmonious use of your property.

Each season brings its risks, be it adverse weather, lighting and visibility or driving conditions. So what can we be more aware of during Summer? Playgrounds, parks, farms, activity centres and other popular destinations often see considerably increased numbers of people during the warmer months and children can be at added risk of injury.

In today’s evolving work environments, more employees are required to perform their duties outdoors or in external environments away from traditional office settings. Whether due to the nature of the role or adjustments following hybrid working trends, it is vital for individuals to understand their legal protections and obligations. At Stephensons, we offer expert legal advice tailored to ensure employees know their legal standing when working outside, whatever the sector.

Fixed term contracts are widely used across many sectors in the UK to meet temporary staffing needs, cover for permanent employees or to provide additional support during peak periods. These contracts can offer flexibility for both employers and employees; however, individuals employed on a fixed term basis must be aware of their legal rights and protections under UK employment law.

A restrictive covenant is a legally binding agreement typically entered into between employers and employees, property developers and homebuyers, or business partners. Such agreements are vital in protecting business interests, preserving the character of developments, or maintaining commercial confidentiality. However, enforcing restrictive covenants can potentially incur significant costs.

At Stephensons, we understand that many employees are unaware of the full extent of their legal rights once they have accrued two years of continuous service with their employer. This milestone is often significant in employment law, as it grants individuals a broader range of protections and entitlements, most notably the right not to be unfairly dismissed.

Restrictive covenants are legally binding conditions placed on a property’s title to control its use and prevent certain actions by homeowners or landowners. These restrictions can impact everything from building extensions to land use, and they often remain in place for many years after the original agreement was made. Understanding how long a restrictive covenant lasts is essential for property owners who may need to comply with, challenge, or seek removal of such restrictions.