Absenteeism at work is well known to have a highly detrimental impact on the ability of a business to maintain productivity and service standards. It’s estimated that almost a million people in the UK are absent from work for more than four weeks every single year.

Not only is this disruptive to the employer and the other employees of the organisation, it’s also very costly in terms of sick pay, overtime for replacement staff and lost taxation income for the government.

A recent report estimated the cost to the British economy to be an eye watering £14 billion pounds a year!

But what can be done to reduce the negative impact of absenteeism? Obviously, there will always be unavoidable absences from work for genuine reasons however those that are abusing the system need to be dealt with swiftly. More...

There are some common misconceptions that arise when someone you love dies intestate. When someone dies without a will it can be tough to know what’s right and what’s wrong.

Probate specialist at Howells Hayley Rees busts some of the commonest myths.

 1.    All of my assets will go to my spouse/civil partner

It’s a common misconception that if you die without having a valid will your husband/wife/civil partner will inherit all of your estate.

If you are married or in a civil partnership and have children, your spouse will inherit the first £250,000 of your estate and the remainder will pass to your children. Initially, this would be divided into two halves, one going to your children when they reached the age of 18 and the other half being left as a ‘life interest’ fund for your spouse.  More...

The latest blog in our conveyancing FAQs series sees our solicitors help out a person whose parents may be able to increase the size of their retirement nest egg.

Should my parents consider equity release?

Q: My mum is 67 and dad 73. They have been self-employed throughout their working lives, but because they didn’t have a private pension and enjoyed the good times they don’t have much saved up in retirement.

As a result, since retiring 7 years ago they haven’t had much money to spend. However they do own a mews house mortgage free which has greatly increased in price because of its location. I have a good career and don’t want them to leave all their money to me if it means they’re not enjoying retirement. 

Should I suggest equity release to them? More...

Howells Solicitors has promoted two of its solicitors to become directors. The firm, which opens a new office in Bridgend this August, has awarded the directorships to Rhidian Hobbs and Laith Khatib.

Rhidian heads up the firm’s commercial property department and has played a key role in expanding this area of work. Rhidian acts for property developers, investors and business owners in connection with all aspects of commercial property. 

Laith works in the firm’s private client department, which deals with wills, trusts and estates. His practice focuses on high value trusts and estates, and litigation in those areas.  He also advises charities representing the elderly and people with learning difficulties on matters relating to his specialism. In his spare time Laith sits as the chairman of trustees of Age Connects Morgannwg.

Mark Hobbs, managing director of Howells Solicitors, said, “The firm has witnessed significant growth in the last few years, which has required us to develop our people right across the business. Rhidian and Laith have played a massive role in the firm’s ongoing success and I am very pleased to welcome them to the senior team.” More...