MY employer is making noises about sacking me due to long-term absence from work. I have been ill with a chronic back problem over nearly a year. But this is not my fault, surely the work cannot sack me for this?

EMPLOYERS have a right to expect workers to come to work, and if that is not practical, to dismiss - eventually.

The employer must not act impulsively, and must make enquiry as to whether the employee will recover in reasonable time, if there is any alternative work they can do, and that proper medical evidence is available to help a fair decision being reached.

WHAT rights does a grandparent have to see her grandchild? My son-in-law is the stumbling block.

GRANDPARENTS have no inherent right to see grandchildren.

However you can make an application to court for a contact (access) order if you can demonstrate it is in the best interests of the child or children.

You should see a solicitor to be advised if negotiation through lawyers or a mediator might help.

The government issued a Charter of Grandchildren - http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/112493/0027333.pdf - that supports the idea but does not have legal effect on its own.

I WAS a bus passenger and was thrown from my seat when the driver braked suddenly.

He said an old lady had walked off the pavement into his path and he had no choice. He missed her. I have tried to make a claim but the bus company’s insurance says it was not his fault.

BUS drivers have a duty to drive with due care and attention for ALL affected by their driving including you, and it is reasonably foreseeable that sharp braking will cause passengers to lose balance if there are no seat belts.

Was he driving too fast? Was he not paying sufficient attention to the possibility of pedestrians in a built-up area?

I think more investigation is needed before you let them away with it.

I WAS made bankrupt and have been paying £38 pounds per week from my wages of £227 per week. My wife passed away in Jan 2015 she had no life insurance so I had to borrow £4300 from my daughter’s savings.

She does not live with me but I applied for the bereavement fund and they are paying me £103 per week for a year. I asked them could they pay this into my daughter's bank which they did as after the year is up that would be my daughter paid back. Will my trustee be looking to take this from me?

THIS is not straightforward.

A bankrupt debtor cannot borrow money or take credit without telling the organisation or person they wish to borrow from that they are bankrupt.

Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

However, I presume your daughter knew about your bankruptcy.

You are also strictly speaking duty bound to advise your trustee of any change in your circumstances.

If your trustee gets to know about this unauthorised borrowing, then he or she may take additional action against you including a BRO – Bankruptcy Restriction Order, by way of application to the sheriff.

It may also put back the date of your discharge from sequestration.