Shoddy & Bodge Ltd (SBL) is a firm of shop fitters. Recently they were engaged by Frills and Furbellows Fashions Ltd (FFL) to fit out a new branch they were opening on a parade of shops in the town of Anyford. The project has been beset by a number of problems Ernie and Bert are carpenters employed by SBL. When Ernie wrongly accused Bert of using his tools without permission a heated argument ensued which culminated in Ernie smashing Bert in the face with a hammer. Had SBL bothered to check Ernie's references before they engaged him, they would have discovered that he had been sacked by his previous employer for hitting a colleague. FFL have a standard design for their shops which includes ornamental ironwork on which items are displayed. Cheryl, an employee of SBL, had the task of assembling the ironwork displays which necessitated making much use of a blowtorch. Cheryl forgot to turn off the torch when she went for a tea break. A fire ensued which spread and caused considerable damage to a neighbouring shop owned by Irresistible Cakes Ltd. Following the fire all work had to stop while the damage was assessed. FFL instructed SBL to securely board up the front of the shop. However, one night a gang of thieves was able to easily break in. Once inside they were able to knock a hole in the wall and gain access to an electronics shop on the other side, owned by Gadget Ltd, and steal thousands of pounds worth of stock. Both Gadget Ltd and Irresistible Cakes had to close for 2 weeks and lost considerable profits as a result. 

Discuss the liabilities which may arise from this scenario.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

In this scenario several potential liabilities could arise 1 Personal Liability of Ernie Ernie could face criminal charges for assaulting Bert with a ... View the full answer