Kerseys Solicitors September 2026 Newsletter
Kerseys Solicitors September 2026 Newsletter
Just a click or call away for all your legal services needs
1 October 2026 – Sections 152 and Schedule 12 of the Employment Rights Act 2025 will extend the limitation period for most Employment Tribunal claims from three months to six months. The change will apply prospectively only and will not have retrospective effect. Accordingly, it will only apply where the relevant act, detriment, discriminatory treatment or termination occurs on or after 1 October 2026.
30 October 2026 – There will be the implementation of a range of reforms strengthening trade union rights and protections in the workplace will take effect, including:
- Employers must inform workers of their right to join a trade union
- Greater rights of access for trade unions
- Changes to trade union recognition and derecognition procedures
- Enhanced protections for trade union representatives
- Wider protection against detriment for participating in industrial action
30 October 2026 – Employers will face significantly greater responsibilities in relation to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. These obligations will apply whether the harassment is carried out by another employee or by an external individual, such as a customer, client, contractor, or supplier. Key changes include:
- A strengthened duty to prevent sexual harassment
- New powers to prescribe mandatory preventative measures
- The return of third-party harassment liability
30 October 2026 – Regulations establishing the Adult Social Care (ASC) Negotiating Body in England are expected to be introduced as part of the Government’s Fair Pay Agreement framework.
Kerseys welcomes a new conveyancing team in Colchester
We are pleased to announce that Kerseys Solicitors Colchester Conveyancing team are ready to welcome new and existing clients to our office located at Lodge Park Business Centre, Langham, Colchester, CO4 5NE. The office is conveniently located close to the A12 and offers an abundance of parking for visitors and clients, as well as high-quality meeting rooms. They join Sarah White and Clare Sheeran currently located in our Colchester offices heading up our Private Client team.
Laura Smith, Senior Associate Solicitor and Conveyancing Assistant, Amy Clark are based in our Colchester office and look forward to welcoming you!
Moving Home – How can I be move ready?
The current housing market and how to be “Move Ready”
2026 has seen the UK Government challenge the status quo and call for major home buying and selling reforms with the aim of making transactions quicker, more transparent, and with an increased focus on up front information and digitalisation to drive efficiency and reduce the likelihood of property deals collapsing. The Government has set out a roadmap for reform spanning from 2026 to 2028 and beyond, so although it is clear that the reforms will take time, the appetite and drive to challenge the status quo in conveyancing is firmly here to stay and is something that all firms must consider.
Laura Smith discusses the current housing market and how to be “Move Ready”. To read the full article, click here.
From 06 April 2026, employers will be encouraged to introduce voluntary menopause action plans, with these plans expected to become mandatory in 2027 under the Employment Rights Act 2025. This represents a major shift, moving from more of a reactive support from employers, to proactive workplace action.
Menopause continues to feature in Employment Tribunal Claims. In my experience, it is often framed as sex, age, or disability discrimination under the Equality Act. While menopause is not a protected characteristic on its own, failure to support employees appropriately carries real legal and reputational risk for employers.
A robust action plan may include clear policies, manager training, guidance on reasonable adjustments, occupational health support and referrals and open communication frameworks between the employer and employee.
Early preparation can, and will, help employers embed meaningful cultural changes within the workplace and reduce future risk with impending legislation.
Why Employers should act before 2027
Find out here, and read the comprehensive blog from Ben Wheatcroft, Paralegal – Employment Law Team
The case for reforming the law for cohabitants: A fairer end to relationships
How will this affect unmarried couples?
The Government has launched this consultation as part of a wider programme to modernise family law. They are going to look at changes to the law for cohabitants on separation and death and financial arrangements after divorce at the same time because they all aim to make sure the law reflects modern relationships while protecting the most vulnerable.
To see the article by Amanda Erskine, one of our Family Law Solicitors, click the link here.
When valuable items have gone missing during probate
What to do?
When someone dies, the Executors are responsible for identifying, protecting and accounting for the assets that form part of the estate. Whilst this usually focuses on property, bank accounts and investments, disputes frequently arise over valuable personal possessions such as jewellery, watches, cash, artwork, antiques and family heirlooms.
Where items appear to have gone missing shortly before or following a death, tensions can quickly develop between family members and other individuals who may have had access to the residence of a person who has died. Executors can find themselves in a difficult position, balancing their legal duties with the need to manage sensitive family relationships.
‘It is not uncommon for concerns to arise where valuable items such as jewellery, cash, watches or family heirlooms cannot be found after someone has died,’ says Keira Andrews, Legal Executive at Kersey Solicitors in Stowmarket. ‘With more people receiving care at home and increasing use of key safes, it is often the case that a number of different individuals may have had access to a property, including family members, carers, cleaners, neighbours and tradespeople.’
In some situations, there is an entirely innocent explanation for a missing item, but where assets cannot be accounted for, executors have a duty to investigate and take reasonable steps to protect the estate. Acting promptly can be important, as delays may make it harder to establish what has happened to an item and can increase the risk of a dispute.
Understanding the steps that should be taken at an early stage can help protect estate assets and reduce the risk of a costly dispute later on.
Keira highlights here some of the key issues executors should be aware of.
Draft Acas code changes Employers need to know about
What are the key draft Acas code changes?
Acas have published its proposed Draft Acas Code Changes, which represent the first major review of the Code since 2009. The revisions aim to encourage earlier resolution of workplace concerns between Employee and Employer, improve fairness in procedures, and reduce the need for formal disciplinary and grievance processes.
Whilst these changes have not been implemented, and Acas are seeking consultation from Employers and Workers on the same, we have summarised the key changes that you should be aware of.
To understand, and read more on the changes laid out above, click the link here to read the complete article by Annalie King – Head of Employment Law.
Entering into a property joint venture
What is a property joint venture?
A property joint venture is an arrangement between a landowner and developer to develop land and share the resulting profits.
If you own land that could make a good site for development, you might be thinking of teaming up with a developer to realise that potential rather than doing it by yourself. A joint venture allows you to stay involved with the development process and get a share of the profits when the development is sold, but it is a complex commercial arrangement and so you need good legal advice to protect your interests. Don’t make the mistake of leaving this until you are drawing up the contracts.
‘Development companies are increasingly using social media to find out who owns vacant land and to approach them,’ warns Kimat Singh, head of the commercial property team with Kerseys Solicitors. ‘They might be good joint venture partners, but landowners are likely to get a better deal if they take a well-informed and proactive approach.’
Kimat outlines the points you should consider relating to a joint property venture here.
*** COMMUNITY NEWS ***
Stowmarket Traditional Music Festival 2026
We were delighted to support this years Stowmarket Traditional Music Festival, which took place on 19th September at
multiple venues across Stowmarket.
If you missed it, it’s one to put it in your diaries for next year.
Photography credit: Ian Trouse
Constable 250
A Programme Of Exhibitions
Christchurch Mansion Ipswich March 2026 – March 2027
Kerseys are proud to be one of the sponsors of the Constable 250 Exhibition,
celebrating 250 years since the birth of John Constable.
The Hay Wain: Walking Constable’s Landscape
11 July 2026 – 4 October 2026
Constable To Contemporary
24 October 2026 – 28 February 2027
