Legal advice YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Question: My husband and I recently decided to split and now we are in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis. I desperately want to see a solicitor but know it will be difficult to see one face to face in the office for advice and to start Divorce proceedings. The atmosphere at home is very strained and I do not wish to wait for this crisis to be over. Answer:I truly appreciate how difficult it must be for you especially during this crisis and lockdown. The best of marriages and relationships will be put under strain during this uncertain period. Sadly, we anticipate that Divorces will spike following this crisis given the emotional, mental, physical and financial pressures of covid 19. I recommend that you consider whether it is the right time to send your husband letters from a solicitor and Divorce proceedings when you are both under the same roof, with little space and tensions are high. You may wish to wait. However, if you wish to set the wheels in motion, you can. Whilst the majority of solicitors’ offices are closed to the public, they continue to provide advice and guidance even in these very difficult times. As a firm, we conduct initial consultations over the telephone, MS Teams and Zoom. We are able to continue to give advice by email and telephone conference calls. It is very much business as usual. A new client need only telephone our offices on 01656 750888 and we can arrange a mutually convenient date and time. Our initial consultation is £200 inclusive of VAT for up to one hour payable before or on the day. We can provide you with detailed advice and an action plan, giving you the confidence to move forward and leave an unhappy relationship. Melanie Lazarus, Melanie Lazarus & Co
Melanie Lazarus & Co Family Solicitors
devoted to your case offering an unrivalled and personal service
Melanie Lazarus & Co Solicitors are the only specialist Family Solicitors in Bridgend. Specialising in Divorce, Separation, Cohabitation, Civil Partnerships, Financial Disputes, Children & Pre-Nuptial Agreements Fixed Fee Initial Appointment £200 inc VAT Fixed Fee Divorce £500 inc VAT (excluding Court fee – T&C’s apply) Please contact Melanie Lazarus at:
Tel 01656 750 888
Email: melanielazarus@mlsolicitors.com www.mlsolicitors.com Ground Floor Offices, 38-40 Nolton Street, Bridgend, CF31 3BN
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WORKPLACE BULLYING & HARASSMENT Workplace bullying and harassment can take many forms, some more obvious than others. Examples include: • name calling, sexist remarks, racial slurs, comments about appearance; • offensive office ‘banter’, malicious rumours or controversial humour; • unfair treatment or informal threats of being sacked; • sexual innuendo, advances from a co-worker, or unwanted flirting, including “sexting” or sexual comments made via social media. Harassment is linked to discrimination. It is related to any of the following ‘protected characteristics, Age, sex, disability, race, religion, gender, marriage and civil partnership; Harassing someone from one of these groups is illegal if it violates their dignity, or if it creates a hostile, degrading or offensive environment for them. Bullying is often defined in terms of behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or injures a person. It is not linked to discrimination, so the legal implications are different to harassment. If you feel this is happening to you then raise your concerns with your line manager, union representative or the HR department with evidence to back up your claim if you have it. If the bullying or harassment is affecting your health, visit your doctor. If it is causing you to take time off work sick, ask for a ‘fit note’. Keep a detailed record of every bullying incident and related conversations. Keep any evidence, for example emails from the bully. You should have been given a copy of the company’s written disciplinary and grievance procedure when you started your employment (it may be part of the company handbook) - this should set out the internal steps you can take to address a problem at work such as bullying or harassment. If an informal approach does not work, follow the formal grievance procedure set out in your company’s policy. If you are a member of a trade union, talk to the employee representative about your problem. If you have exhausted all other options and the problem is still not resolved, you can discuss the matter with an employment lawyer who may advise legal action. In some circumstances this may lead to a settlement agreement or as a last resort, an employment tribunal If you resign as a result of bullying or harassment, in certain circumstances you may be able to bring a claim of constructive dismissal against your former employer, based on the fact that the mutual trust and confidence has been broken. But always take legal advice first. Natalie Thomas DJM Solicitors 01656 772211 www.djm.law.co.uk SWANSEA | MUMBLES | PORTHCAWL | CARDIFF | 01792 65 00 00 The Dunes Business Centre, 267 New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5BG
