The long-standing debate on whether it’s acceptable for parents smacking children as a means of punishment for their misdemeanours has recently been re-ignited in Northern Ireland as local charity, Parenting NI launched their STOP campaign, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). The campaign aims to provide information and support to parents, and training workshops for childcare professionals in Derry, Enniskillen and Omagh. This issue has been hotly debated for many years by the United Nations and other organisations that protect children, such as Barnardo’s .
Smoking is identified as the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland. In 2014, approximately 16% or 1 in 6 of all deaths in Northern Ireland were attributed to smoking, as reported by the Public Health Agency. Such concerns worldwide ‘sparked’ the introduction of the e-cig back in 2003, the use of which has now become a widespread trend in the UK. Concerns have also been noted over the health impacts of e-cigarettes. New changes have been introduced to the legislation around the sale and use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and e-liquids and came into effect last month.
Have you ever been walking along when suddenly you slip, catch your foot on something or trip over an object? For a second you stumbled helplessly. Maybe you were lucky enough to regain your balance and save face or did you fall flat on your face and suffer a painful personal injury? Personal Injury from a Slip, Trip or Fall leave you a red faced and embarrassed. What happens if you experience a slip, trip or fall that could have been prevented or which causes pain, suffering or financial hardship?
Workplace accidents are more common than you might think. There has been a 10% increase in the number of major injuries reported in the last year and the total number of reported injuries increasing to 2,777 cases. Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees at work as far as is possible by taking steps to control or minimise risks. Your employer has certain duties to fulfill in the event of an accident to include recording, reporting and sick pay. An employee may be entitled to a Personal Injury Claim if their employer has failed in its duty.
Although our general health services from the NHS are free in Northern Ireland, this doesn’t cover the costs of residential care homes or nursing homes, the burden of which is borne by the individual who is in receipt of the care, or his/her close family members unless they qualify for financial assistance. Care homes typically cost between £30,000 and £40,000 annually in the UK. In some areas these figures are much higher.
At a time when the people of Northern Ireland are faced with much political and economic uncertainty, it is heartening to see positive signs in the property market as house prices continue to rise, as they have done since 2013.
The team at Luke Curran & Co Solicitors, Newry recently welcomed a new member. Kathleen Moore has joined the team as a Legal Secretary. We’ve put Kathleen through a Q&A session to find out a bit more about her and are going to share the inside info with you. Meet Kathleen.
Buying your first home can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. It is beneficial to have a team of professional advisors in place to support you on your journey.
Negotiations will begin on the UK’s institutional and financial withdrawal from the UK. It is estimated that this could take up to two years with room for extension to four years by agreement. To move forward, any agreement must be passed in the EU Council of Ministers and the UK Parliament.
If you are separating or getting a Divorce we recommend that you consider dividing your assets with a Matrimonial Agreement before going to Court.
The law on seatbelts for Children is changing and parents should be aware to safeguard their children.
Cohabiting Couples - Have you protected your financial interests in the event of death or break up with a Cohabition Agreement?