Pillinger & Associates

Wow, the 1st of August already! Time for some feel good #WednesdayWisdom

Pillinger & Associates - Employment Law & Licensing Law Specialists. If you have any concerns or worries, talk to us.

It's been a hot and busy week, time for some Friday fun 😎
Courtroom trick that backfires
A wife went missing and as everyone knew that her husband and his wife were in a big fight, he was accused of murdering her and disposing of the body.
... When multiple witnesses came to the stand testifying that the accused regularly threatened his wife, things were looking very bad for the husband.
So the accused man’s lawyer got up to the stand;
“Ladies and Gentleman of the jury I have something quite exciting to tell you, if you would all please direct your attention towards the door behind me on my left you will see the supposedly dead women walk in on her own two feet.”
There was a loud murmuring in the courtroom as all eyes turned towards the door. “Ladies and Gentleman” said the lawyer after a few seconds of anxious waiting, “To be honest with you, nobody is going to be walking through the door."
"However from the fact that your eyes all turned towards the door it is quite obvious that you are not sure beyond the shadow of a doubt about my client’s guilt.”
To the lawyer’s great surprise, the jury decided that the man was indeed guilty.
“But how could you say that he is guilty? Didn’t I prove that you were unsure?” Questioned the lawyer.
“It is true that we all turned towards the door,” one old lady explained, “but there was person who didn’t.”
“Whose that?” Questioned the indignant lawyer.
“Your client.” Came the reply...
#FridayFun This originally came from a film called "The Hip".
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The school holidays are here again along with the childcare challenge!
It's not easy juggling work and childcare, but working parents have the right to ask for flexible working after a minimum amount of time with an employer. An employer does not have to grant any request, but does have to take your request seriously and can only turn it down if they have a good business reason.
After 12 months with an employer you are also entitled to parental leave, which is unpaid, but can... help plug in gaps when it comes to childcare.
If you think you have been unfairly treated or have an unsympathetic boss in relation to childcare, talk to us for advice. #legaladvice #workingparents
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As temperatures continue to soar, it can mean a lot of working environments are uncomfortable. Take care particularly if working outdoors.
Although there’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit, employers must stick to health and safety at work law.
For office workers, providing fans and if appropriate, a relaxed dress code can help staff work more effectively.

Can an employer withdraw a job offer?
You finally get the job you wanted, only for your new employer to change their mind. Where do you stand? #FAQFriday #LegalAdvice

How's this for some #WednesdayWisdom.
Is a Pringle a crisp or a savoury snack? Ask HMRC and a Judge!
VAT is set at 20% on products that are considered luxuries – so there’s no VAT on apples, milk, or tea, but there is on ice cream, cereal bars, and – crucially – crisps.
... Proctor & Gamble, producers of Pringles decided they would like their product to be a savoury snack rather than a crisp, making it VAT exempt. In 2008 a judge ruled that since the type of Pringles in question were only 3% potato flour (and 39% vegetable oil) they couldn’t be said to be “made of potato flour”, and therefore, they weren’t crisps.
In 2009, HMRC appealed and despite Proctor & Gamble’s strenuous arguments that there’s nothing crisp-like about a Pringle, HMRC won and the humble Pringle was ruled to be a crisp after all!
Credit to http://oxford-royale.co.uk
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Good advice!

Happy Monday everyone. Has anyone spotted my flower bed by the roundabout in the centre of town?

As HMRC cracks down on Employers who are underpaying staff, the most common reasons appear to be:
- taking deductions from wages for costs such as uniforms - underpaying apprentices - failing to pay travel time... - misusing the accommodation offset - using the wrong time periods for calculating pay
If you have any concerns, get in touch. #LegalAdvice #LegalHelp
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How about this for a very generous employer!

There is definitely a feel good feeling in the air, even for non football fans.
But anyone calling in sick tomorrow may find their employer is a little suspicious! Remember, employers are entitled to challenge reasons given for absence #BeWarned

It's a new week. If you have any employment legal or licensing questions or concerns, then let me help.
https://www.pillingerandassociates.co.uk #legal #help #lawyer

Well it is Friday... An employee approached his boss regarding a pay dispute.
Employee – My wages are short by £100.
... Manager – I know, but last month you were overpaid £100 by mistake, but you didn’t complain! Employee – Well I don’t mind an occasional mistake, but it seems to be becoming a habit, now... #FridayFun
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According to a recent poll of 2000 UK office workers, these were the top 10 office gripes. Does any of this ring true with you? 🤔
1. Toilets left in a mess 2. Sinks left full of dirty crockery 3. Printer left jammed by someone who then didn't clear it... 4. Mouldy food or milk left in the fridge 5. Office unbearably hot or cold 6. Noisy eaters 7. Lunch stolen from the fridge 8. Milk used up by one person, leaving none for others 9. Someone constantly talking 10. Spillages left all over the kitchen
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Claims that employees from a Jersey based butcher bullied a member of staff due to his Scottish accent, weight and tattoos were dismissed by a tribunal.
It appears the story was fabricated to generate some compensation. In this scenario do you think the employer should be able to claim costs against a malicious employee?
If you have any employee or employer concerns, get in touch. #legalhelp #legaladvice #employmentlaw

Show your pride and support for our brave Armed Forces #ArmedForcesDay

OK you can't beat a cute dog! If you have any employment law, HR support or licensing law questions, get in touch.

Regardless of every Courtroom drama or film you have ever seen, did you know the one place you won’t see a gavel is in an English or Welsh courtroom. Plus they have never been used in the criminal courts.
Good one for the next pub quiz!

The blurring lines of "self employed”, “worker" and "employee" in the so called gig economy.

I've used Pillinger & Associates for all our HR and employment advice and work. Found Amanda to be very helpful, efficient and advice has been spot on. Happy to recommend

I used Amanda durning a dispute with an ex employer. At a time that was very stressful Amanda provided calming, professional and clear legal advise, explaining the legal process and procedures in a way that was easily understood and resolving the case hugely in my favour. In fact Amanda was so good my ex employer changed there solicitor halfway through the case as Amanda was running ring around them. I would wholeheartedly recommend Pillinger & Associates to anyone.

I have been helped by Amanda on a few occasions and would have absolutely no hesitation in recomending her to anyone who has any employment law problems.

I have also had advice on licencing from her.

Very professional, always calm and a pleasure to have in your corner.

I wouldn't want to be on the the wrong side of her.

I had a serious employment issue and had advice from several solicitors - it went on for months - I then engaged Amanda and she settled the dispute in a matter of 3 letters! I can not recommend her highly enough!

Brilliant employment solicitor. Very approachable. Happy to recommend.

At a very stressful time, Amanda was sympathetic, calm and professional and helped bring my concern to a speedy resolution. Nothing is too much trouble for Amanda, always ready to answer quiestions and provide guidance as well as working to get the result needed with as less stress as possible. Simply can't thank her enough for all her help and enabling me to move on with my life, absolutely worth every penny. �

As a small business the legal side can be very scary. Amanda was fantastic, after a short consultation she knew exactly what I needed and provided all the necessary documentation very efficiently. I would highly recommend this firm to everyone!!