Category: News

Wrigley Claydon mean business as they recruit a new commercial solicitor

In a move that signals not only growth for the practice, but perhaps also for Oldham’s business sector as a whole, Wrigley Claydon have bolstered their Commercial Department with the appointment of a new assistant commercial solicitor.

Soibilate Iketubosin has joined the practice to support the growing portfolio of corporate clients Wrigley Claydon looks after. Soibi will be assistant solicitor to John Porter, managing partner at the firm and offer legal advice, guidance and support to large corporations, SMEs and small owner managed businesses on Employment, Commercial/Corporate and Commercial Property matters.

Of Soibi’s appointment, John Porter said, “We have been supporting businesses in Oldham for over 200 years. As the economy begins to grow again Soibi’s appointment will ensure that we have the capacity to support local businesses and help them to prosper.”

Soibi joined in mid-January as a newly qualified solicitor after completing his training contract at Leslie Charles Solicitors, having done a secondment in Corporate at Manchester-firm JMW. He graduated from the University of Manchester in 2012 before completing his LPC at the University of Law. Soibi is passionate about business and enjoys the challenge of finding solutions for businesses. He said, “I am very pleased to be joining such a prestigious firm. It combines the traditions and values that are so important in the legal profession, with excellent technology and an understanding of how modern business operates.”

Soibi speaks French and German and is keen to learn Spanish. He hopes to utilise his language skills in his new role by offering his services as a translator, something which he hopes they will be of benefit to all Wrigley Claydon’s clients.

23rd February 2016
Todmorden office supporting Will Making Month 2016 with Age UK

If you are looking at making a will Todmorden solicitors Wrigley Claydon are supporting Age UK’s Will Making Month during April 2016…

Our Todmorden office are working with Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees and Age UK Todmorden throughout April 2016 as part of the charity’s ‘Will Making Month’ campaign.

Making a will is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out after your death.

Make your will with us this April and help Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees and Age UK Todmorden provide services and support for older people.

We are donating our time and expertise to write wills for Age UK supporters.

All you have to do is contact the Wrigley Claydon Todmorden office on 01706 815712 and make an appointment between 1st and 30th April. Please say you are calling about Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees / Todmorden ‘Make a Will’ month.

All we ask is that you make a suggested donation of £60 per person or £100 per couple which we will send to the Age UK on your behalf.

This offer is open to anyone aged 50+, does not include home visits and only covers straight forward wills. More complicated wills may incur extra charge. Please check with us when you call to make your appointment.

18th February 2016
Accessing personal messages at work advice from Oldham employment law solicitor

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled recently the dismissal of a Romanian worker in breach of his employer’s company policy was lawful.

Bogdan Barbulescu, who was sacked in 2007 for sending personal emails from his work account, argued that his employer had breached his right to a private life by reading his emails.

On instructions from his employer, Mr Barbulescu had set up a work Yahoo account. During working hours it emerged he had been sending emails to his brother and girlfriend, discussing topics ranging from his health to his sex life.

The ECHR, in defence of their decision, set out that Mr Barbulescu had been forewarned by his employer that his emails could be checked. The court ruled that his right to a private life hadn’t been breached and that his employer was entitled to sift through his emails.

In light of the decision, several trade unions have encouraged employers not to intentionally “snoop” through employee’s emails and to ensure safeguards are put in place. Simon Walker of the Institute of Directors, said “Employees should not be subject to Stasi-style surveillance at work.”

Advice for Employees

A few simple tips will help keep most employees out of the gaze of trouble:

1. Firstly employees should resist the urge to send personal messages (including emails) from work devices

2. Where personal messages are sent from personal devices, avoid using work WiFi and use your mobile data instead

3. Send messages outside of work time, such as during lunchtime

4. If you cannot resist the urge to look at your phone, then turn it off.

Advice for Employers

It is important that employers have procedures in place to protect themselves. One of the reasons the Mr Barbulescu lost is down to the fact his employer had a policy in place. Have you got the following in place:

1. Social media policy

2. Privacy policy

3. Email and internet usage policy

4. Staff Handbook?

Wrigley Claydon has a dynamic Employment department and can assist you in drafting and advising on these policies. If you want to have a chat with a specialist Oldham employment law solicitor, give John Porter a call on 0161 785 3529 or email info@wrigleyclaydon.com.

12th February 2016
Messiah flood relief fundraiser

Sunday 24th January saw our very own Antony Brannick conduct Todmorden Choral Society and Orchestra in a special performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’.

And special it was!

Todmorden, along with several other places in the Calder Valley, was very badly affected by the flooding and torrential rain on Boxing Day 2015. As a resident of the town Antony was fortunate not to be directly affected but witnessed how many local people and businesses suffered.

As Musical Director of Todmorden Choral Society he emailed the choir committee a day or two later and suggested they arranged a performance of Handel’s Messiah as a fundraising event (the Society are very familiar with the piece as they perform it annually at the beginning of Advent as part of their normal programme of concerts). The committee, choir and also the orchestra enthusiastically pledged their support.

A number of professional soloists known to the Society also came onboard and agreed to waiver their usual fee. Other organisations (printers, caterers etc) also agreed to contribute in a similar way. Calderdale Council generously agreed to the use of the splendid Town Hall without charge. The choir and orchestra players were also asked to ‘pay’ for the ‘privilege’ of taking part.

The performance was a sell-out and the atmosphere was amazing! Quite different from the usual pre-Christmas performance, with many ‘new faces’ in the audience.

All the musicians gave their best and the huge rapturous applause at the end of the final Amen chorus showed the performance itself had been of a high standard.

Soloists were Caroline Challis soprano, Emily Reaves alto, Adam Magee tenor and Dean Robinson bass baritone. Daniel Bath and Caroline Steer were continuo players and the solo trumpet was played by Chris Lewis.

Antony and all those involved were delighted and surprised to learn that their fundraising efforts from the concert had topped £5,000! And with the Government pledging to match funds raised, that means £10,000 to the Calder Valley flood relief fund – a much needed contribution we’re sure.

Antony would like to say a huge ‘Thank You‘ to everyone involved, particularly the performers who stepped up at very short notice to participate in this magnificent effort!

Here’s to high quality amateur music making that is well and truly thriving in the Pennines!

5th February 2016
Your Guide to Understanding Conveyancing
Spring is a popular time of year for moving home. Many home owners may be looking to advertise their property for sale, and others will be looking to buy. Buying and selling a property is too often seen as a difficult or stressful process. This needn’t be the case.

Whether it’s buying your first home, moving up the ladder into that dream family home, down sizing after the kids have left or selling up completely, moving home is an exciting time of new opportunities and adventure!

Dealing with the legal side of a property transaction should be stress free, efficient and quick. The professionals you choose to help you should provide you with advice throughout the transaction and can initially talk you through what you need to do once an offer has been accepted on a property. Your solicitors service should include:

Liasing with the seller’s/buyer’s solicitor with all the legal enquiries

Conducting searches on the property to identify any issues prior to sale/purchase, and advising on the findings

Exchanging contacts and paying the deposit

Completing the transaction

At Wrigley Claydon we have a dedicated team of Property professionals who can guide you through the process. We promise to be up front about our fees, without any hidden extras and provide clear communication about the progress of your sale or purchase.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for confidential, initial free advice to discuss how we can support you. Please call 0161 624 6811 for enquiries – or fill in the form on this page

A guide to buying or selling your home

We have prepared two information sheets that cover the main points about Purchasing a Residential property and Selling a Residential property that you can download free by clicking on the links below:
26th January 2016
Equality in the Workplace

In light of Stonewall’s recent employer’s survey, Wrigley Claydon have decided to look at equality in the workplace, and specifically at LGBT rights in the workplace, about which both employers and employees need to be aware.

The law is set out in the Equality Act 2010, which establishes 4 types of discrimination:

1. Direct Discrimination happens when a person is treated worse than another in a similar situation. For example, an employee who is dismissed after mentioning that she has a girlfriend.

2. Indirect Discrimination happens where an employer creates a discriminatory policy across the organisation which disadvantages employees who are LGBT. For example, giving company cars to married couples, but excluding civil partners.

3. Harassment involves harassing or making jokes about LGBT colleagues. Jokes can be innocuous or deliberate, but both can constitute harassment.

4. Victimisation occurs when an employee is treated badly because of having made a complaint relating to sexual discrimination. It can occur to an associate of an LGBT colleague.

Equality in the Workplace – How employers should act

Here are top tips:

1. Do not tolerate abuse of LGBT staff by customers or employees;

2. Ensure there are no company policies that would indirectly discriminate against LGBT employees.

3. Do take seriously any complaints LGBT staff may have. Make sure to deal with any bullying from other employees as a matter of priority.

4. Do not disclose a person’s sexuality without their express consent.

Equality in the Workplace – What can employees do

Here are some suggestions:

1. Firstly try to resolve the matter with the people who are bullying you. If they joke about you, ask them politely to stop.

2. If your colleagues are more sinister, talk to your supervisor immediately. If you are afraid, take a colleague with you.

3. If the matter does not improve, raise it with a senior manager.

4. If discrimination persists, consider taking legal action against your employer.

If you are concerned about Equality in the Workplace, whether you are an employer or and employee, please contact our Oldham employment solicitors for some initial advice. We would be happy to assist you at any stage step of your journey.

Please get in touch with our Employment department directly on 0161 785 3529 or email John Porter jap@wrigleyclaydon.com or Soibilate Iketubosin si@wrigleyclaydon.com

21st January 2016
Calder Valley Flood Appeal concert featuring Wrigley Claydon Todmorden solicitor

As you will all no doubt be aware the Calder Valley was badly hit by the Boxing Day floods. Many properties in Todmorden were flooded.

Musical Director of the Todmorden Choral Society, Antony Brannick, an Associate Family Solicitor at our Todmorden office, is conducting a very special performance of Handel’s oratorio Messiah, with the Todmorden Orchestra. Proceeds will go to the Calder Valley flood relief appeal.

The concert will take place on Sunday 24th January 2016 at 7pm in Todmorden Town Hall.

The performance will feature professional soloists Caroline Challis soprano, Emily Reaves alto, Adam Magee tenor and Dean Robinson baritone, who have all sung with the society before. “They are all excellent and in demand as soloists so we really appreciate them joining us on this occasion,” Antony says of the singers.

Entrance is by ticket only. Tickets are available from Todmorden Information Centre or Sally Deith on saldeith1918@btinternet.com. It is asked that you make a minimum donation of £10 per ticket, or more if you wish.

“It would be great if there could be a turnout of local Todmorden folk to support this event” says Antony, “But you must act fast as the performance will almost certainly be a sell out!”

15th January 2016
Wrigley Claydon has its cake and eats it!

The annual Macmillan Coffee Morning took place in many homes and businesses across the country this year. The Macmillan Coffee Morning is the charity’s flagship and this year celebrated its 25th anniversary. The aim is to bring as many people together over coffee and cake to support those affected by cancer.

On Friday 4th December 2015, our Todmorden office did their bit and took time out of their busy schedules to host a coffee morning, proving that raising money for this good cause is a piece of cake!

Our Partner, Emma Piszkalo, headed the campaign and together with the rest of the staff raised just over £90.00. The staff all contributed to the making of the cakes and are delighted by the amount of support received from the local community. Anybody interested in helping a cancer charity can contact Emma Piszkalo at the office on 01706 815712 and she can advise and help in respect of leaving a legacy in a Will.

Key 103’s Mission Christmas

The Wrigley Claydon Todmorden office are continuing their charitable efforts by supporting Key 103’s ‘Mission Christmas’. The aim is to help local children and young people aged from 0 to 18 years who are less privileged, to have a better Christmas. They are looking for donations of new, unwrapped gifts and Wrigley Claydon Todmorden is one of the Mission Christmas drop-off points. We are hoping to help achieve the Mission Christmas aim of collecting thousands of presents for babies, children and teenagers who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day. Mission Christmas will collect the presents on 22nd December 2015 to take to their headquarters for the presents to be wrapped and then distributed to families in need.

Our office is situated at 31/33 Water Street, Todmorden and is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00am to 5.00pm and on Thursdays from 9.00am to 6.00pm for people to drop in their gifts. The deadline for gifts to be brought into the office is Monday 21st December 2015 at 5.00pm.

By working together, Mission Christmas and Wrigley Claydon are confident in helping those less fortunate have a better Christmas.

8th December 2015
Macmillan Coffee Morning

Come and have your cake and eat it too!

We’re delighted to be hosting a Coffee Morning for Macmillan at our Todmorden offices on Friday 4th December.

Join us between 10.00am-1.00pm.

Bring a cake contribution if you wish, or just bring yourself. Whatever you do, bring your appetite and lots of change and dig into our selection of sweet treats and warm drinks, all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

31/33 Water Street, Todmorden, OL14 5AB

27th November 2015
Dealing with bereavement
Loss is never easy and whilst grieving is a normal process following a bereavement, it affects people in many different ways. You may feel shock, numbness, anger or feel unable to cope with matters that would normally not be a problem. This is all perfectly natural but having a guide as to what to do and when can assist. On your list should be:
- Contact a Funeral Director even if you do not have the Medical Certificate.
- Make an appointment to register the death as soon as you have the Medical Certificate, usually within 5 days of the death unless the death has been referred to the Coroner.
- Inform anyone you think may need to know for example Home Help, family Doctor, the DWP, employer, Insurance companies, Banks, Pension Companies, Gas, Electricity and telephone suppliers. Using the Registrars “Tell us Once” Service can ease this burden.
At Wrigley Claydon we have a dedicated team of Probate professionals who can guide you through the process. We can help ease some of the strain even in the most straight forward cases and take on the heavy burden of more complex cases.

Our services need not be costly; we can tailor make parts of our Probate package to suit you.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch for confidential and initial free advice to discuss how we can support you. Please call 0161 624 6811 or email our partner Rachel Damianou who heads up the team at rld@wrigleyclaydon.com.
12th November 2015