News & insights
Can an employer withdraw a job offer?
The case of Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltd is an important employment law decision from the employment appeal tribunal (EAT) that considers when a job offer becomes legally binding and what happens if an employer withdraws it. Job offer subject to certain conditions Mr Kankanalapalli was offered a job as a project manager by […]
Read MoreSchool caretaker was unfairly dismissed as his employer failed to investigate his mental disabilities when considering his misconduct
A recent case emphasises the importance of ensuring that all aspects of a disciplinary case must fall within the band of reasonable responses from an employer to dismiss an employee fairly. In the case of Mr Kevin Lilly v Southend High School for Boys Academy Trust, it was the investigation that was found to have […]
Read MoreTUPE compliance in schools – important lessons from a recent ET case
This employment tribunal (ET) case highlights the correct process employers need to follow when services such as cleaning are brought in-house. It focuses on the legal protections given to employees under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). Zoe Marie Gilbertson was a cleaner who had worked in the role since 2016. Over […]
Read MoreUnfair dismissal – lack of explanation as to how scores arrived at within a redundancy exercise
The case of Mr C Thompson v Powys County Council and The Governing Body of Brynllywarch School highlights how an unfair process in a redundancy dismissal, namely a failure to provide an employee with sufficient information in relation to their scoring, can make the dismissal unfair. Restructure Mr Thompson was employed as a teacher. In […]
Read MoreBereaved partner’s paternity leave – new right from April 2026
The Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave Regulations 2026 were laid before Parliament in January 2026 and are intended to come into force on 6 April 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval). The right to bereaved partner’s paternity leave applies on the death of a partner who is the primary carer for the child, either during the first 52 weeks after the […]
Read MoreWhistleblowing of a safeguarding concern and interim relief applications
A recent judgment serves as a useful reminder of how judges will consider applications for interim relief in whistleblowing cases where a claimant alleges the main reason for their dismissal was a protected disclosure. Background In the case of Mr A Mottram v The Inspire Multi Academy Trust, Mr Mottram brought employment tribunal (ET) proceedings […]
Read MoreWhen sickness absence policies go wrong: key lessons from a recent ET case
A recent employment tribunal (ET) decision provides an important reminder to employers about managing long-term sickness absence where disability is involved. The case highlights the legal risks of strictly applying attendance policies, without considering adjustments to processes. Complex medical history In the case of Ms J Boswell v Beacon Multi-Academy Trust Ltd, the ET considered […]
Read MoreBalancing rights at work
An ET case involving gender and changing rooms at work In January 2026, an employment tribunal (ET) considered a sensitive case about workplace changing facilities, privacy and equality law. The judgment provides important lessons for schools and other employers about balancing dignity, inclusion and legal responsibilities. Background to the case The case of Bethany Hutchison […]
Read MoreSocial media ban for under-16s
The House of Lords has recently voted in favour of banning social media for under-16s in the UK. An amendment has been proposed to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that will enforce the government to ensure that social media sites use ‘highly effective’ age checks to make sure no person under the age of […]
Read MoreEmployment Rights Act – update
The Employment Rights Act received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 and is now known as the Employment Rights Act 2025. The Act introduces various additions and amendments to existing legislation, including the Employment Rights Act 1996. Most reforms set out within the Act will take some time to come into effect. The only immediate change is […]
Read More