Earlier this month Edward Connor Solicitors (ECS) had the privilege of attending the 2023 FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) Leaders Conference in Blackpool. As we’ve experienced in previous years, it was another fantastic opportunity to connect with church leaders, to share our insights, and to contribute to the gospel-centred encouragement that unfolded over the … Read more …
In the admittedly small – yet very significant! – world of Christian legal work, the arrival at ECS of new people is always an exciting milestone. Today, we have the privilege of introducing our firm’s newest lawyer, Mary Drew, who has joined our firm to contribute her unique skills and perspective to our mission. With … Read more …
In our recent employment bulletin we flagged that we expected to see changes in the law around third party harassment (for example how your staff are treated by visitors). Recent amendments to the ‘Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill’ meant that we weren’t expecting the changes to come into force anytime soon. Two … Read more …
Managing holiday entitlement, sickness absence, and other leave can be a complex business. It can also prove costly when employers get it wrong. Acas (an independent public body whose role includes helping to improve workplace relationships) have improved their online resources to help employers to do this well. New and updated resources include a useful … Read more …
After 26 weeks’ employment, employees have the right to request flexible working, for example asking to change their working days, hours or place of work. Parliament has just passed the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023. When it comes into force (which could be no later than August 2024) it will make various changes to … Read more …
The right of access, commonly referred to as a Subject Access Request, or SAR, gives individuals the right to request a copy of their personal data from organisations. Last month the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published new guidance for employers on responding to SARs. The new guidance is published in question and answer format, referring … Read more …
Charities must comply with certain legal requirements before they ‘dispose’ of land they own (whether that be selling, transferring, or leasing land). It is therefore important that churches and other Christian charities know their obligations. The Charities Act 2022 As we have reported on in an earlier article, the Charities Act 2022 introduces a raft … Read more …
Until now protective security at UK venues has been entirely voluntary. ‘Martyn’s Law’ will change this, bringing in legal requirements for many venues – including churches – to ensure public safety on their premises. Background Following the Manchester Arena bombing attack in 2017, Martyn’s Law aims at preventing such acts of terrorism. While clearly having … Read more …
If we needed it proving at all, the pandemic lockdowns showed us afresh that there is nothing quite like getting together in person. We ensure that as a firm we all get together in person at least twice a year for training, discussion, and good old-fashioned human interaction! Our most recent staff day at the … Read more …
“And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:28 (ESV) Stress and anxiety were well known to the writers of our Bible, and we can thankfully gain comfort and wisdom from its words on the subject. Characteristically, Jesus invited “all who labour … Read more …
