Legal advice

The small business legal advice section provides in-depth guides and features on tax, company and employment law for UK SMEs and sole traders.

Steps to protect your business ideas

If you have thought of an idea on which to base your business, then it is certainly worth trying to protect it with the law, in case someone tries to copy your idea.

Legal advice

Holiday pay for sick workers worries employers

A recent employment appeal tribunal ruling on holiday pay for employees on long-term sick leave could have serious implications for small businesses by potentially driving up costs.

Legal advice

Set out clear guidelines for dealing with problem employees

Whilst running a business you may come across difficult employees. When you do it is essential to have an internal disciplinary procedure in place to deal with the problem and so avoid being taken to a tribunal, says employment consultant Jim Brown.