Legal News - November 2011
1 in 10 leave their social networking passwords in their Will
Date: 01/11/2011
According to a survey by Goldsmiths at the University of London, 1 in 10 people in the U.K. leave social networking passwords in their Will. The survey also showed that more than a quarter of the subjects have digital media (music, videos, etc.) that they feel the need to pass on to family members.
Often Facebook pages of the deceased will turn into digital shrines, but may languish, or be spammed, making it important for someone to still have the password.
It is interesting to see that people are starting to have the foresight to leave passwords in their Will and perhaps that old adage “never write down your password” does not apply here!
If you would like to discuss making a Will that reflects your own personal circumstances or wish to amend your existing Will then please contact Vivien Bradley-Shaw.
Scrap unfair dismissal claims for lazy workers – report
Date: 01/11/2011
Unproductive workers should lose their right to claim unfair dismissal, says a leaked report commissioned by the Prime Minister.
The report argues this would mean more capable people would replace those sacked, boosting economic growth.
A draft seen by the Daily Telegraph warns that incapable workers are being left to "coast along". Firms also fear expanding because new staff may prove "unknown quantities" who are impossible to sack.
In 2010-11 the cost to the taxpayer of running employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal in England, Wales and Scotland was more than £84m, according to the Ministry of Justice.
The Treasury said that more than 80% of applications made to an employment tribunal did not result in a full hearing.
Almost 40% of applicants withdrew their cases, but employers still had to pay legal fees in preparing a defence, it said.
If you require proactive, professional employment advice please contact Peter Dymock.
New Domestic Violence proposals
Date: 01/11/2011
The press have reported upon new government proposals which would give people the power to find out from the police if a new partner has a history of domestic violence. It follows a campaign by the father of a woman killed by her ex-boyfriend.
The Home Office are launching a consultation which asks whether the protection of victims of domestic violence can be improved by the establishment of a national domestic violence disclosure scheme and how it would work in practice. More details can be found on the home office website and the closing date for responses is 13th January 2012.
Of course victims of domestic violence are men and women alike and protection from the court can be obtained in certain circumstances.
Large and Gibson can provide sensitive and constructive advice on such issues – please contact Peter Dymock.