Employing immigrant workers - restaurants have benefitted from the influx of workers from abroad, but must beware of employing illegal workers who are not permitted to work in the UK.

Another complex area is that of recognising which casual staff actually qualify as employees and therefore for statutory protection and benefits. Getting this right is essential to prevent expensive tribunal claims. Casual workers have also recently gained additional rights.

Sex, race, disability, religion & belief or age discrimination are all areas which hotel operators must avoid. We are able to assist with policies, handbooks and training to prevent all forms of discrimination arising - in particular as a result of new equality laws.

It is now more important than ever to be clear where TUPE applies, when restaurants are being acquired or disposed of as trading businesses, or even where contracted-out services such as cleaning are transferred to a new contractor.

Commercial property issues regularly arise as operators acquire or dispose of properties. 

We can also assist where property related disputes arise, such as rent reviews, nuisance claims and boundary disputes.

Contact: Christopher Ainsworth