Author: Karen

Parenting NI

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parentingni
Parenting NI has been a leading organisation for supporting parents in Northern Ireland since 1979.    In a guest blog for Life Law NI, Emma Lyttle from Parenting NI provides us with some information about the organisation and the services they provide:-

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Since being established in 1979, Parenting NI has become a leading parenting support organisation committed to delivering high quality services to parents throughout Northern Ireland.

At Parenting NI, our primary aim is to contribute to the well-being of children and young people by supporting parents and to influence policy and practice on parenting.

Our values are underpinned in all of Parenting NI projects, including the following:

  • The safety and well-being of children is paramount
  • Parenting should be valued
  • Parents need to be supported
  • Support services for parents should be universal and accessible
  • Parents have the right to expect high quality services
  • All families should be valued equally, regardless of their structure or background
  • Parents and young people are entitled to be able to talk confidentially
  • Parents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and not to be judged
  • Parents have the right to expect organisations with whom they are involved to be open, honest and accountable
  • The rights and responsibilities of parents, children and young people should be protected and respected

The Work We Do

All of Parenting NI services have been developed based on the needs of parents.  Our focus is primarily on prevention and early intervention in order to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.

At Parenting NI, we envisage a future where parenting is highly valued, and family members receive the support and resources they need to provide a happy and safe environment in which children and young people can achieve their potential.

As an organisation, we try to do achieve this goal in many ways and by providing a number of services:-
  1. Parenting Helpline

The Parenting NI Helpline offers a free phone service based in Northern Ireland. Our helpline team have been specifically chosen to ensure that all callers receive the most appropriate support and guidance in relation to family issues.  The Parenting NI helpline team also have knowledge of local services that are available regionally to ensure that all families with any additional needs can access other support if required.  Call us on 0808 8010 722 to avail of our helpline service.

  1. Counselling Service

 Our Parent’s Counselling service focuses on finding realistic, manageable solutions for you and your family, empowering you to meet your own needs and goals. Parent’s Counselling offers a confidential, professional service, in a warm, friendly atmosphere, where you will be listened to and given space to explore any issues relating to parenting.

  1. Programmes & Workshops

We offer a range of parenting programmes throughout Northern Ireland to help parents build on their skills and knowledge about parenting.

We aim to keep our programmes fun and interactive through participation and group work, in a setting where everyone feels safe and supported. Participating in one of our programmes is also a great way to meet other parents experiencing similar issues, build confidence and improve family relationships.

  1. Parental Participation

We believe that it is important that parents have their voices heard.  We have been engaging parents through consultation since 1999. The consultation process is an important opportunity for parents to share their views. In consulting with parents, it enables our organisation to highlight the key issues and needs of parents in order to influence policy, planning and service delivery.

For more information on Parenting NI, visit our website on WWW.PARENTINGNI.ORG

LIFE BITE: Thinking of pulling a sickie to enjoy the sunshine? Think again!

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apple-150579_1280For the last few days, Belfast has enjoyed some unexpected sunshine with temperatures rivalling those of European holiday destinations like Spain and Italy.   Summer seems to have arrived … though for how long is anyone’s guess!   

 

The last place many people want to be during the hot weather is in work – most of us would rather be dusting off the BBQs and basking in the sunshine.  However, if you’re considering “pulling a sickie” to avail of what may be the only few days of a Northern Irish summer, think again!

The Employment Appeal Tribunal in England dealt with the case of Metroline West Ltd v Mr Ajaj and has held that ‘pulling a sickie’ is dishonest and a fundamental breach of contract.  Mr Ajaj was a bus driver and although he was injured whilst at work, he falsely claimed to be worse than he was.  He wasn’t off for just one day however he was caught out exaggerating his injury as his employer had him under covert surveillance.

The Tribunal that dealt with the case initially held that the fairness of dismissal should be assessed on ‘capability’ considerations however, the Employment appeal tribunal disagreed.   The Judge dealing with the appeal stated that “an employee (who) “pulls a sickie” is representing that he is unable to attend work by reason of sickness.  If that person is not sick, that seems to me to amount to dishonesty and to a fundamental breach of the trust and confidence that is at the heart of the employer/employee relationship.”

You have been warned!

For any further information on employment law issues, please feel free to contact us here.

LIFE BITE: Higher Rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax now payable when Purchasing Additional Residential Properties

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apple-150579_1280The Government has introduced measures which will mean that higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) may be payable if you purchase an additional residential property.

These higher rates took effect from 1 April 2016.  The higher rates will be 3% above the current SDLT residential rates. They will be charged on the portion of the value of the property that falls into each band.

These bands will be set out as follows:-

Purchase price Band Existing residential SDLT rates New additional property SDLT rates
£0* – £125k 0% 3%
£125k – £250k 2% 5%
£250k – £925k 5% 8%
£925k – £1.5m 10% 13%
£1.5m + 12% 15%

Whilst there are many complex scenarios as to when the higher SDLT rate will be applied, the most common scenario in which you will have to pay the higher SDLT rate is where you are purchasing a buy-to-let or second home in addition to your main residence.   There are however may exceptions to this very general rule and you should seek specialist advice.  In certain circumstances,  you may become entitled to a refund on the additional stamp duty paid.

Tax matters can be complex at the best of times and so if you are in any doubt as to whether the higher band of SDLT will be payable on your new property, you should contact the HMRC or alternatively seek advice from the solicitor handling your property transaction.

If you require any further information on BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY, please feel free to contact Ruth Flinn on rflinn@fhanna.co.uk or alternatively CONTACT US HERE

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The National Living Wage : – Is Your Business Ready?

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money2Most of us, (given the option,) would happily accept an increase in pay for the job we do!  

Well, on 1st April 2016, the new “National Living Wage” came into effect in Northern Ireland, making the dream of a pay increase for some workers a reality.

The implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2016 means that all workers aged 25 and over are now legally entitled to at least £7.20 per hour pay. 

Whilst this is great news for workers over 25, businesses now need to be prepared for how this change will impact on them. 
Here is some important information for you on the National Living Wage:-

What is the National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage is different to the “Living Wage” which is a voluntary hourly rate set at £8.25 which employers can choose to pay.  It also differs from the “National Minimum Wage” which technically remains in place for workers under 25.  The new “National Living Wage” is essentially a compulsory top-up for workers aged 25 and over.

As things stand, the National Minimum Wage rates are as follows:-

  • £6.70 per hour for those aged 21 and over
  • £5.30 per hour for those aged 18-20
  • £3.87 per hour for under 18’s
  • £3.30 per hour for apprentices.

In effect, it is only those workers in the top band, who are over 25 and currently earn £6.70 per hour who will be affected by this  new regulation.  These workers will now be entitled to the top-up of 50p per hour.

What impact will this have for businesses?

Concerns were raised that the new Regulations would be detrimental for businesses in Belfast in that it could have an impact on profits, the use of overtime, bonuses, recruitment and potentially consumer prices but only time will tell.

No doubt employees who now benefit from the increase will certainly be pleased with its introduction. Hopefully a positive effect will be increased productivity and job satisfaction in the workplace.

What happens if businesses don’t pay the “National Living Wage”?

An employee could make a number of claims to the Industrial Tribunal for failure of his/her employer to pay the National Living Wage including a claim for unlawful deduction of wages or a detriment.

Not only that, if an employee is dismissed for a reason related to the National Living Wage they will be able to make a claim for unfair dismissal even if they have less than one year’s service.

Finally, if that wasn’t enough to ensure compliance, an employer can face penalties being imposed by HMRC including a requirement to pay any arrears of pay owed to an underpaid employee and a penalty of up to 200% of the arrears owed. Bear in mind there is also the potential for businesses to be named and shamed if held to be in breach of the Regulations.

If you require any further information in relation to the NATIONAL LIVING WAGE or any other EMPLOYMENT RELATED ISSUE please do not hesitate to contact us here at Life Law NI or email mgavin@fhanna.co.uk

Belfast Central Mission:- Housing Support for Older People Belfast

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Catherine Apsley HSOP Project ManagerCatherine Glenn is Project Manager at Housing Support for Older People Belfast, which is run by the charity Belfast Central Mission (BCM). The project works across Greater Belfast to support people aged 55 and older who are struggling with independent living to enable them to remain in their own homes.  

In her guest blog for Life Law NI, Catherine tells us about how the project can help older people to remain independent:-

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What is Housing Support for Older People?

As people are living longer and the aging population continues to expand, a greater number of older people are striving to hold onto their independence within their own homes.  Throughout life, people’s housing needs often change.

The Housing Support project is fully flexible and provides a range of free support for older people including assistance with benefits, debt, housing issues, home safety, home maintenance, homelessness and accessing services in the community. Choice is central to the project and all clients will be treated with equality, respect and dignity.

Who runs Housing Support for Older People?

The project is run by Belfast Central Mission (BCM), one of Northern Ireland’s oldest charities.  Established in 1889, BCM recently celebrated 125 years of caring for disadvantaged and socially excluded people throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland.   BCM is an agency of the Methodist Church in Ireland but we support people in need, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or other background.

BCM’s diverse projects aim to meet the needs of the whole person, whether spiritual, emotional, social and physical.  Our projects are based in Belfast, North Down and Ards, and Armagh and Dungannon and involve approx imately 800+ beneficiaries each year with an additional 3,000 who benefit from our Christmas programme.  Projects include:

  • Parent Support
  • Therapeutic Counselling for vulnerable care leavers
  • Floating Support & Supported Housing for vulnerable young people preparing to live independently
  • Residential care and Housing Support services for older people, including support for those with dementia
  • Christmas Programme – toys & food for children/older people

How can the Housing Support Project assist me?

The project can help with a wide variety of issues, offering advice and both emotional and practical support.  We have also been able to assist clients with re-housing, and improving the energy efficiency of their homes.  We have great links in the community, and if we can’t sort out a particular issue, we will signpost our service users to the right organisation to help them.  The project has its own handyman service which can carry out minor repairs to clients’ home such as changing locks.

Our service is designed to meet the needs of older people in the community.  Staff from the project will meet with them in the comfort of their own homes to assess what support they require.  We very much respect the choice which many older people make to remain independent in their own home and BCM support packages are tailored to enable this to happen, when possible.

One of Housing Support’s recent clients was Mary (name changed) who had to move house after experiencing intimidation.  Mary’s support worker was able to advocate on her behalf to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.  Together they viewed potential flats and her support worker assisted her with the practical side of moving home.  Mary said, “I’d recommend the people from BCM because they are so good and helpful whenever they take on your case.  This is something everybody should know about, people who are in trouble can be helped and there’s no one more helpful than my girl who looked after me.”

The project can offer support initially up to two years, but this can be extended for those who will always need a level of housing support to remain living in their own homes.  The service is offered free of charge and is totally confidential.  Service users contribute to the project via the service user forum, and are welcome to meet up for outings and trips which take place several times a year.  BCM also runs a programme of community services for older people in Belfast including Befriending, a weekly Lunch Club and monthly Tea Dances.

People can refer themselves, and referrals are also welcome from family members, housing officers, social workers and other professionals.

To find out more or make a referral, please get in touch with me or my team on: cglenn@belfastcentralmission.org or call 028 9024 5716. 
You can also visit BCM’s website to find out more or download a referral form:  http://www.belfastcentralmission.org/what-we-do/for-older-people/housing-support
 For more information about Belfast Central Mission visit our website:  http://www.belfastcentralmission.org/

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