News and Events

Whether you're excited about the Games being on your doorstep, or dreading the chaos that may arrive along with the competitors, spectators and press, there are some important issues employers will need to address in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has set the new compensation limits for compensation for unfair dismissal. The maximum award will increase from £68,400 to £72,300. In addition, a week's pay for the purposes of calculating redundancy pay will also increase to £430 (currently £400)

Tax returns can become an annual headache that many people just put off until it is too late. Did you know that Battens offers a tax return service that does all the hard work for you?

When you sit down to consider who should benefit in the event of your death, you may think about who should receive your home or perhaps your grandfather clock, but you may not give much thought to your online assets.

In an attempt to lessen pressure on businesses and the Employment Tribunal system, and boost recruitment in the current economy, the government confirms an increase in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal and plans to introduce Tribunal fees for submitting claims.

A prestigious global guide has named Battens Solicitors as one of the best legal firms in the South West.

It may seem cheaper to engage a will-writing company than go to a solicitor. But this could prove more expensive in the long run, as there are many hidden costs lurking in the small print. Some companies are not even trained or qualified, which can lead to added distress for bereaved relatives, if they get it wrong.

Battens is one of two finalists in the Business Engagement in the Community category at this year’s Open 4 Business Awards.

Battens has appointed a leading employment law specialist to head up its Employment Team. Dawn Gallie moves from Devon based firm Stones, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the employment sector, having worked with and advised businesses and HR Managers, both regionally and nationally.

We are delighted to announce winning the Long Standing Business Award at the 2011 Yeovil Business Awards.

This month a new law on additional paternity leave and pay comes into effect.

Under this scheme, a new mother will be able to transfer up to 6 months of her maternity leave to the father if she decides to return to work before the end of her statutory maternity leave.

Ask most lawyers how much something will cost and they will probably say "it depends".

We are different. We appreciate that you are working to a budget and that requires certainty.

We therefore now offer Fixed-Fees on Business and Company Transfers.

The new Equality Act 2010, which came into force on 1 October means that, save in the case of certain exceptions, employers are not permitted to enquire about the health and disability of the applicant before making an offer of employment.

The Government has announced proposals to remove the default retirement age of 65 from 1st October 2011. This timetable is much quicker than previously anticipated and is likely to cause concern for many businesses in the region.

The World Cup- a beautiful game?

With the World Cup tournament now underway and England due to play the final of their three group matches on Wednesday, many employers will not be viewing it as a beautiful game, but rather a four week headache.

Yeovil Town Football Club, Yeovil
Thursday 9th February 2012 - 7.30am for 7.45am

We are delighted to invite you to the next Yeovil Business Breakfast being held by Battens, Old Mill and HSBC.

Battens Solicitors will have a marquee at this year's Melplash Show. Within our marquee we will have our own agriculture and private client specialists, as well as representatives from Clydesdale Bank and a display of handmade jewellery by Nerys Cattermole Jewellery; as part of our support for local business.

We will be holding our annual beach volleyball tournament on Thursday 28th July on Weymouth beach.

As per previous years our tournament takes place the day before the start of the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic Event, which is covered by Sky TV.

Local businesses went back to school for a taste of life as a student. A group of local business leaders attended a breakfast meeting at the Sir John Colfox School arranged by Battens Solicitors on Tuesday 8th March. Catering students at the Sir John Colfox School provided breakfast and businesses heard about an innovative project at Budmouth School to improve the link between school and industry.

Bridport Business Breakfast - The Bull Hotel, Bridport
Tuesday 19 October 2010 - 8am for an 8.15am breakfast

Battens Solicitors, Lloyds TSB and Old Mill Accountants are delighted to invite you to our second Business Breakfast at the Bull Hotel in Bridport on Tuesday 19 October 2010.

We all have an interest in property, especially in the areas we live and work. You may like to understand how your own property or any future investment will be affected by the result of the election. This breakfast will give you the opportunity to find this out.

Battens Solicitors are holding an inter-company badminton tournament, to be held at Redlands Sports Centre in Weymouth, during the evening of Wednesday 24th March 2010.

Discipline and the management of discipline are major issues for employers of all sizes. It is not enough to know the procedures, managers need to know how and when to apply them appropriately in order to minimise the risk of employment tribunal proceedings.