Author: Mark Reynolds

The gender pay gap has been a hot topic for a while now and the government are in the process of drafting regulations that will require companies to report on how they pay staff to demonstrate complete transparency and that pay between men and women is appropriate. If you’re an employer, here are key areas that you need to be aware of:

Who is this relevant to? If you employ at least 250 people that work in Great Britain and has an employment contract governed by UK law then you are affected.

What does pay cover? This covers basic pay, paid leave, maternity pay, sick pay, bonus pay, shift pay, car allowances, area allowances. It doesn’t include expenses, overtime, redundancy pay, tax credits.

Bonus payments – You will need to publish the difference between the mean bonuses paid to men and women. You will also be required to show the proportion of male and female employees that received a bonus.

What do I have to publish? You will have to publish the mean and median gender pay gaps.

When do I have to publish? The provisional commencement date of the legislation is the 1^st October 2016 so you will have 18 months after this date to publish it for the first time and then it needs to be published annually after that.

Where do I have to publish? You must publish the information on your website and it needs to be accessible to employees and the public. It needs to stay online for 3 years to show progression and will also need to upload the information to a government designated website.

For more advice about your legal responsibilities regarding gender pay and to help prepare you for the proposed legislation. Are you dealing with an employment law issue at your place of work? Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our employment law advisors.

Accidents at work happen every day no matter how many precautions you take and can happen under any circumstance. Injuries can vary in severity; it could be a sprained ankle or a minor cut but equally it can sometimes be more severe and even result in death. Regardless of how bad your injury is, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a work accident claim.

There are many injury that are valid to file an accident claim with if you are injured at work. If you have suffered any of the following, you may be entitled to do so;

• Any objects in the work place falling onto you
• Dangerous machinery causing you injury
• Assault within the workplace
• Accidents when operating heavy machinery
• Accident due to improper training
• Slipping, falling or tripping
• People within the workplace being negligent
• Poorly maintenance equipment
• Dangerous or toxic environment
• Industrial injuries
• Health and safety regulations not being adhered to

As a result of any of these happening you may have suffered some of these common work injuries;

• Loss of sight
• Loss of hearing
• Brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Burns
• Head injuries
• Amputated limbs
• Fatal injuries

The most important part of making this claim is being able to prove that you were injured and that the injury was caused as a result of the negligence of your employer. Even if the injury was not directly inflicted by your employer, because it happened within the place of work that they are accountable for it makes them liable. In instances like this it may be difficult to prove which is why it is advisable to appoint a personal injury solicitor to help with the case. They will assess the situation, collect all the necessary evidence and present it for you.

In the UK there is a 3 year time limit on filing a work accident claim and if you try to make a claim outside of this time limit you may not be entitled to any compensation. This 3 year period begins the day that the accident occurred or depending on the injury, the day you realised the injury was as a result of what happened in the workplace.

To help you through this process, it is recommended that you contact a personal injury solicitor so that you can receive the accident claims help that you need. Once you have a solicitor they will be able to take over the case and with their experience they will work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.

If a fatal accident happens at work and you lose a loved one, then the process of claiming compensation from the employer (if they are found to be liable) can be fairly complex. There are a number of things to take into consideration such as:

Bereavement loss – this is a sum that is paid for the pain and suffering for the loss of a loved one. This is normally divided between the wife/husband and any children.

Dependency loss – this is the amount of compensation that is payable for the financial contribution made by the father/mother. This is payable to the husband/wife and children typically when they are 18 years old. Some of this compensation money can be used by the father/mother on the children’s behalf. Depending on instructions, solicitors will normally be under a duty to ensure that any monies that are payable to the children are retained in the court fund office until the children reach the age of 18 years.

Pain and suffering before death – if your loved one was not killed immediately and survived the accident for a period of time before dying, then the estate of the loved one would be entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering and any other losses incurred before death.

Funeral costs – the costs of the funeral of your loved one can be claimed, usually through a fixed sum.

The above list is not exhaustive and, depending on the nature of how your loved one died, there may be other factors to be taken into consideration. If you have lost a loved one through an accident at work and need professional advice on the best course of action to take in order to make a claim for compensation then please contact us now.

Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.

If a fatal accident happens at work and you lose a loved one, then the process of claiming compensation from the employer (if they are found to be liable) can be fairly complex. There are a number of things to take into consideration such as:

Bereavement loss – this is a sum that is paid for the pain and suffering for the loss of a loved one. This is normally divided between the wife/husband and any children.

Dependency loss – this is the amount of compensation that is payable for the financial contribution made by the father/mother. This is payable to the husband/wife and children typically when they are 18 years old. Some of this compensation money can be used by the father/mother on the children’s behalf. Depending on instructions, solicitors will normally be under a duty to ensure that any monies that are payable to the children are retained in the court fund office until the children reach the age of 18 years.

Pain and suffering before death – if your loved one was not killed immediately and survived the accident for a period of time before dying, then the estate of the loved one would be entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering and any other losses incurred before death.

Funeral costs – the costs of the funeral of your loved one can be claimed, usually through a fixed sum.

The above list is not exhaustive and, depending on the nature of how your loved one died, there may be other factors to be taken into consideration. If you have lost a loved one through an accident at work and need professional advice on the best course of action to take in order to make a claim for compensation then please contact us now.

Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.

Figures released from the Ministry of Justice show that there were 178 wills and probate disputes heard in the High Court in 2014 compared to 97 in 2013. This is seen as being just the tip of the iceberg because only a small portion of these disputes ever get as far as the High Court, with many being settled beforehand.

This rapid rise in will disputes is being put down to factors such as the complexity of family make-ups which can often included second spouses and children from different parents. The soaring house prices, especially in London, are also seen as a significant contributor to this as the potential economic gains of pursuing a claim becomes a driving force.

Given the above scenarios, there is often the chance that a family member may feel aggrieved if they feel that they’ve been left out of a will or haven’t received what they perceive to be their ‘fair share’.

Poorly drafted wills are often at the centre of family battles about wills and some of the homemade wills that people put together and the cheap wills you can get on the high street don’t necessarily cover the complexity of a person’s financial situation and how assets are divided up after death. These types of wills are very often easier to contest when it gets to court.

The upward trend of will disputes is forecast to continue and that’s why it can be a false economy to have a DIY will or buy cheap. The more complex your personal affairs, the more there is to think about when it comes to drafting your will. To ensure that your loved ones receive what you want them to have in the event of your death, then it pays to work with an experienced firm that has many years experience of drafting wills and know what the pitfalls can be.

Whether you want to write a Will or deal with the affairs of a loved one that has passed away, Mark Reynolds Solicitors are here to help. Contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee Wills & Probate advisors.

Smartphones may be a huge part of our lives but the statistics show that it certainly isn’t smart to use them when we’re driving. Fatal crashes that have involved the use of a smartphone/mobile phone have risen by a staggering 29% according to recently released figures by the Department of Transport.

In 2012 there was a recorded 378 road accidents in the UK that have been attributed to the use of a mobile phone whilst driving. In 2013 this has risen to 422 and it will be interesting to see if this worrying trend continues.

It was way back in 2003 that using a mobile phone whilst driving was banned but it would appear that the punishment that is in place for such offences isn’t having the desired effect. Currently, if you are caught using a mobile phone whilst driving you face receiving 3 points on your licence, a £100 fine and maybe a disqualification. In a worse case scenario, if you cause the death of somebody due to using a mobile whilst driving, you may face a considerable jail sentence.

Experts estimate that your reaction time is 50% slower when using a mobile phone and that you are four more time likely to have a car crash. Even using a hands –free device has an impact on your reaction time.

Despite this, it would appear that usage whilst driving is on the increase and many of us can’t resist responding to a text or a phone call, irrespective of the potential dangers around us.

If you have been injured in a road accident where the driver has been found to be using a mobile phone then you will potentially have a strong case to make a personal injury claim. Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.

The physical affects of an accident are plain for everybody to see – bruises, cuts, broken bones etc are easy to display and prove when it comes to personal injury claims. However, in several cases there is often the unseen affects of personal injuries that lead to psychiatric and psychological issues with the victim of the accident. These are harder to prove but can often lead to larger awards than the physical injuries if they can be demonstrated.

Common ‘unseen’ affects of accidents include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and, when it comes to road accidents, severe travel anxiety. It’s also important to remember that these types of issues can also arise for people who have been involved in serious accidents but didn’t bear any physical injuries.

These affects often manifest themselves in changes of behaviour, anger, distress, becoming unsociable, flashbacks, difficulties with concentration and the inability to get back into a vehicle. This inevitably can lead to problems at work and issues with performance.

It often takes a while for accident victims to realise that they are suffering emotional and psychological problems because of their accident and they suffer in silence. If you have been involved in any type of accident and recognise the signs above then we would urge you to seek support and help as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your GP and discuss your situation with them.

It is also worthwhile speaking to a solicitor who specialises in personal injury to discuss your case with them as well. You may not realise that you have a genuine case to make a claim, especially if the liability of the accident has been proven. It is often possible to obtain payments from the insurer of the person/company that is liable to seek private treatment so that you can be dealt with quicker and get a speedier resolution to your problems.

Have you had an accident or personal injury and are looking to claim? Call Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee personal injury advisors.

When it comes to writing a will, many people are tempted to cut corners and save money by making up their own will. In this internet age, it’s very easy to download a DIY will template, then print and fill it out yourself. Will kits are even available to buy from stationery shops, ranging from about £10 to £30.

Even a few scribbles on a scrap of paper is legally binding, providing it is signed and witnessed correctly. However, by trying to save money now, you may be causing serious problems for your family in the event of your death. Here’s a brief guide to help you decide if your DIY will is really worth the paper it’s written on.

How Simple Is Your Situation?

A DIY will may be sufficient if your personal circumstances are simple and straightforward, for example:

• You’re married and you want to leave everything to your spouse.
• You’re spouse is dead and you want to leave everything to your children.
• You have no living family.

If you do decide to make a DIY will, ensure that any old wills are destroyed. Thoroughly check wording and spelling, and make sure it is signed and witnessed correctly. Don’t forget to tell your executor where it is kept.

Complications

If others are involved the situation can get complicated. These can include:

• Step-children or other dependents.
• Foreign properties or investments.
• Specific wishes that are confusing or not worded correctly.
• Mis-spelling names that can cause confusion and contention.

Mistakes are easy to make and your will could end up being invalid, in which case the law will decide who are the rightful beneficiaries.

Whether you want to write a Will or deal with the affairs of a loved one that has passed away, Mark Reynolds Solicitors are here to help. Contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee Wills & Probate advisors.

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is not a recognised medical condition in itself. RSI is a ‘catch all’ term that is given to a variety of musculo-skeletal problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome).

Typically, RSI is caused when a person has to perform repetitive tasks, overuse equipment, deal with vibration equipment or have to work for long periods of time in one position. It can be a common problem with people who are involved in:

• Extensive computer work
• Using vibration tools such as a road drill
• Using telephones for long periods
• Operating machinery that requires repetitive movement
• Consistent heavy manual lifting

People who suffer from RSI will often complain of problems in their upper limbs such as swelling, stiffness and tingling. These problems can also take a long time to manifest themselves but when they do; it can be very severe and stop the person from working.

Cases of RSI are more common than you might think. With the growing use of computers, mobiles and laptops, people are using devices more frequently and for longer periods of time.
The size and proximity of the buttons on hand-held devices can also cause problems if you are using them for several hours in the day.

Employers have a duty of care to their staff to ensure that harm is minimised. RSI claims are on the rise in the UK and much of this rise has been put down to the consistent use of laptops and hand-held devices. If you are suffering from symptoms of RSI then you may have a case for compensation.

Mark Reynolds Solicitors specialise in Employment Law, have you suffered from discrimination or exploitation at your place of work? Contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors on 0800 002 9577 today to speak to our no win, no fee employment law advisors.