If you’re having problems at work and are unable to settle the issue through company channels such as the grievance procedure, there is the option to leave under the terms of what is known as a settlement agreement (previously known as a compromise agreement) if you and your employer both agree. You will need a solicitor for settlement agreement advice and JPP offers a fast and reliable services provided by experienced solicitors. A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your employer under which you agree to end your employment and not to bring claims in exchange…

Becoming a minority shareholder or investor in a business may lead you to believe that, given the limited rights you will have, there are not many important considerations to take into account. However, even a minority investor needs to protect their interests as much as possible and to be able to share or exit its investment in a fair manner. While minority shareholders may not usually benefit from voting rights, it is important to ensure they have access to drag along or tag along rights which provide them with a fair exit. All investors need to know what their rights…

February’s cabinet reshuffle saw the creation of a new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), headed up by Michelle Donelan. The new Secretary of State says the department will promote growth, encourage the creation of new jobs and bolster innovation.   For the first time, the five technologies of tomorrow: quantum, AI, engineering biology, semiconductors and telecoms, will be brought together under one umbrella department. Also included within its remit will be life sciences and green technologies.   But what exactly does it mean for UK startups and scaleups operating or planning to operate within the sector?   Big hopes for…

Mergers can offer many benefits to two smaller partnerships with good cultural alignment, including sharing costs and resources, access to economies of scale, and reduction of competition. There are a host of commercial issues that one has to be aware of when contemplating a merger of two partnerships. An in-depth analysis of the two businesses is crucial, as is ensuring that required documentation is completed correctly. The process of merging will inevitably require many moving parts, and you'll be better served by having a knowledgeable legal team in your corner to help you address the commercial considerations. Commercial Considerations A…

An employment settlement agreement is a legally binding contract in which one person, usually an employee, agrees to waive their rights to bring a claim in the employment tribunal or a court in return for another person, typically their employer, agreeing to do something, such as paying them a sum of money and agreeing to give them a reference.

Whilst there are many pros that social media can create for a business it is not without its cons. As the internet continues to grow at a rate that the law has failed to keep up with, organisations have had to adapt to deal with a wide range of online problems. There is no ‘social media law’ you can call on to address these issues. Instead, a mix of long-established legal principles and new laws are used in a bid to address the ever-changing issues presented by social media. Problems include unfavourable reviews, account hacking, data protection breaches, fake accounts…

Across the UK, fintech has been growing at an exponential rate throughout the last decade. As of 2022, the UK owns more than 10% of global market share. In 2020, there were more than 2,500 fintech companies operating in the UK and that figure has continued to grow since then. While investment in the global fintech landscape is now slowing, in the first half of 2022 the UK saw a 24% increase year-on-year in fintech investments, defying the global trend. London is responsible for much of this growth. The capital has one of the largest concentration of fintech companies in…

Did you know that employees received an estimated £480m in income tax and national insurance contributions (NIC) in the tax year ending 2021 from Employee Share Schemes - with EMI schemes forming the largest contributor to tax relief? EMI share schemes (Enterprise Management Incentives)  have clearly become a popular way of motivating, retaining and attracting employees in the UK, as they offer significant tax benefits for both the business and its employees. By allowing companies to grant options (the right to shares in the company) to qualifying employees in a tax efficient way, EMI option schemes are flexible and can…

Becoming or working towards being a greener business is nothing new, but the pressures are mounting to take environmental issues more seriously as an important corporate responsibility, and to show real action and commitment beyond just marketing puff. Using sustainable packaging, or planting a tree, or giving back to a good cause is no longer enough. Savvy consumers, increased public awareness, and competitive market forces mean a business must dig further into its supply chain to reduce risk, and demonstrate its position with actions and words, including their contractual commitments. Who wants your business to become greener? The pressure to…

Today, the smartphone in your pocket is capable of more than the most advanced supercomputer available 25 years ago. In the past couple of decades, we have seen technology push boundaries further than we could ever have imagined, but more recently, this trend has exploded - innovative tech is growing at an exponential rate. What the next 50 years hold is anyone’s guess, but what we do know is that, right now, there is no shortage of funding sources for businesses developing innovative tech solutions, or even an entrepreneur with a great idea. Here, we look at some of the…