News & insights
ICO – keeping employment records
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published new guidance on collecting and keeping employment records. The guidance is designed help employers understand their obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). The guidance covers the kinds of records kept, how much personal information can be held and how they can […]
Read MoreTLR payments and a reduction in working hours
In the case of Mr A Fahey v Romero Catholic Academy Trust, Mr Fahey alleged that he had been subjected to less favourable treatment due to his part-time status, contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000. Background Mr Fahey worked as a lead teacher within the design […]
Read MoreBorder officer found to be fairly dismissed following dishonesty on application form
In the case of Easton v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Border Force), the employment appeal tribunal (EAT) addressed issues of employment application transparency and the obligations of applicants to disclose relevant information. Dismissal Mr Easton, a career civil servant, had worked for various government departments, including the Ministry of Defence, the Department […]
Read MoreTeacher awarded £42K for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
In the case of Ms J White v The Governing Body of Dorothy Stringer School and Brighton and Hove City Council the employment tribunal (ET) considered claims of allegations of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and failure to make reasonable adjustments. Sickness absences Ms White had been employed as a teacher at Dorothy Stringer School. During […]
Read MoreEmployment appeal tribunal reduces compensation for discrimination from £10K to £2K
In the case of Eddie Stobart Ltd v Miss Caitlin Graham, the employment appeal tribunal (EAT) considered the appropriate compensation for injury to feelings in cases of maternity-related discrimination. Redundancies Miss Caitlin Graham was employed by Eddie Stobart Ltd as a planner at their Newhouse depot from July 2021, earning an annual salary of £28,000. In […]
Read MoreAcas advice – neurodiversity at work
Acas has recently published new advice for employers on neurodiversity at work. This is to assist employers in creating an inclusive organisation and raise awareness in the workplace. Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in human brain functioning. It refers to the fact that all human brains are wired differently in terms of information processing, communication […]
Read MoreBereavement leave and miscarriages
A report by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) calls for new employment laws to include bereavement leave for those who miscarry during pregnancy. Currently, bereavement leave is only granted for pregnancy losses that occur after 24 weeks. However, the report highlights that: ‘The physical and emotional impacts of pregnancy loss … […]
Read MoreCleaner with significant and high levels of sickness absence wins nearly £50,000 for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
In the case of Ms Zoe Kitching v University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, the employment tribunal (ET) examined the circumstances surrounding Ms Kitching’s dismissal from her role as a cleaner at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Ms Kitching, described as a ‘good worker’, had been employed since September 2018. She faced significant mental health […]
Read MoreSelf-employed or employee? Claimant wins preliminary hearing proving employee status despite contracts stating otherwise
In the case of Ms M Williams v City Academy Arts, the employment tribunal (ET) addressed preliminary issues concerning the employment status of Ms Williams and whether she was disabled, by reason of her ADHD (combined with symptoms of anxiety and depression), under the Equality Act 2010. Here we focus on the employment status aspect of […]
Read MoreNeonatal leave and pay
The government has confirmed that from April 2025, parents with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time-off as a day-one right. This follows the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023. The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 (Commencement No.2) Regulations 2025 have been laid before Parliament and, subject to approval, […]
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