Drug and Alcohol Testing – Workplace Safety
Drug and alcohol testing is important for all employers to ensure a safe working environment. Why Should Employers Conduct Drug and Alcohol Testing? The primary reason for an employer to carry out drug and alcohol tests is to ensure the health and safety of all staff and those who come into contact with the business, […]
Practical tips for Directors seeking to Avoid Personal Liability
It is a common scenario for directors not to be aware of the extent of the personal risk that attaches simply because of the senior role they hold within their company. This often stems from a lack of understanding or awareness of the legal responsibilities attached to their position. Directors can inadvertently open themselves up […]
Advice to businesses who are victims of crime
Businesses, like individuals, are entitled to support from the Criminal Justice System when they fall victim to crime. Knowing and asserting their rights is crucial for organisations to secure the protection they need while also supporting our underfunded police and prosecution services in bringing offenders to justice. Below, we explore key steps businesses can take […]
Top 10 Essentials for Navigating an Interview Under Caution
A personal insight – Ashleigh Harold As a solicitor, I’ve spent more time in police stations than I care to remember. Having been involved in countless interviews, I have first-hand insight into the fact that for most people, being questioned by the police is a deeply daunting experience – especially if it’s their first time […]
A Legal Insight: A Spotlight on Very Large Organisations (VLOs) and fines for Health, Safety and Environmental Breaches
The UK could soon have greater clarity over how ‘very large organisations’ (VLOs) are penalised for health and safety breaches following the Sentencing Guidelines’ 2024 consultation on miscellaneous amendments. Despite increasingly seeing corporate fines imposed in excess of £1 million, recent proposals to formally recognise VLOs in sentencing guidelines could lead to much higher fines […]
Navigating The Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 came into force in October 2023, representing a landmark shift in the UK’s approach to building safety regulation. Enacted in response to the Grenfell Tower Fire of 2017, the Act delivers the biggest legislative changes to building safety in a generation, with a raft of secondary legislation and guidance overhauling […]
Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal expenses insurance is purchased to fund the costs of legal representation. In business, this is obtained “before the event” in case a future legal action has to be defended. Although it is possible to buy stand-alone legal expenses insurance, most policies are added to the Employer’s Liability, Public Liability or Directors’ and Officers’ indemnity […]
Right to choose own solicitor
Insurers have panels of solicitors whom they regularly instruct. While they usually have no objection to using a policyholder’s own solicitor, insurers sometimes prefer to use solicitors from their own selected panel. The law, however, makes it clear that insurers cannot prevent their insured from selecting a solicitor of their own choice to represent them. In […]
Non-Financial Misconduct and the FCA – Are Firms Ready for the 2026 Standards?
With the FCA’s updated Code of Conduct coming into effect soon, firms should be actively preparing for the changes that are coming in September 2026 which clarify that serious bullying, harassment and violence qualify as misconduct under the FCA’s Code of Conduct (COCON). Previously implied conduct will be explicitly recognised under the Code of Conduct […]
Leading the Way in Health and Safety Law – Reflections on Chambers Recognition
Being recognised in the latest Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession rankings for Health & Safety is particularly meaningful when clients and peers leave feedback such as “She is leading the way, and she is a good person to deal with.” This recognition reflects the work of the entire team at Harold & McCormack Law, […]