News

Employer Liable for Unfair Dismissal (EAT)

In Mr. B Knight v Off Broadway Ltd: [2024] EAT 109, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) held that: The Claimant, Mr. B Knight, was employed by the Respondent and brought forward claims of unfair dismissal. He highlighted significant issues in the way his dismissal was handled, which contributed to the tribunal’s decision. The tribunal found that the … Read more

Election round-up – what can we expect?

13th June 2024 Labour Party manifesto Change pledged to introduce new legislation within 100 days:- 1. To ban exploitative zero hours contracts ensuring: 2. To create a single status of ‘worker’. 3. To extend the time limit to bring an ET claim to 6 months. 4. To introduce basic rights from day one:- 5. To end ‘fire … Read more

Employer Liable for Age and Disability Discrimination and Unfair Dismissal (EAT)

In Ms K Hargreaves v I Ambrose and others: 2407961/2022, the Employment Tribunal (ET) held that: The Claimant, Ms K Hargreaves, was employed by the Respondent and had a diagnosed disability that affected her day-to-day activities. She also experienced age-related comments and treatment that contributed to a hostile work environment. The Respondent failed to make … Read more

Objective Justification for Extended Fixed-Term Contract (EAT)

In Ms Cheryl Lobo v University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2024] EAT 91, the EAT held that: The Claimant, Ms. Cheryl Lobo, was employed by the Respondent as a Locum Consultant Breast Surgeon under a series of fixed-term contracts. She acquired four years of continuous service on 22 February 2020. Ms. Lobo sought … Read more

Requirements for Employer to Consult on Proposed Pool for Redundancy

In Mr. Z Valimulla v Al-Khair Foundation [2023] EAT 131, the EAT held that: The case published 13th June 2024 involved Mr. Z Valimulla, who worked as a Masjid Liaison Officer (MLO) for the Al-Khair Foundation. He was dismissed during the COVID-19 pandemic on the grounds of redundancy. For redundancy selection, Mr. Valimulla was placed … Read more

Employment tribunal was correct to strike out disability discrimination claims on the basis that they were precluded by a settlement agreement entered into by the claimant during his ongoing employment.

In Clifford v IBM United Kingdom Ltd [2024] EAT 90 the EAT held that: The settlement agreement was signed by the parties following the claimant’s continuous absence from work due to ill health and his submission of a grievance against his employer. The claimant was continuously absent from work as a result of ill-health from … Read more

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance published

The new Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance has been published by the DfE. There are minor changes, with the full list set out in Annex F on page 183 in the link below.  This is for information only at this stage as the changes do not come into force until September 2024.Details of … Read more

Election season is upon us!

The upcoming UK General Election has significant implications for the education sector. Key policy changes and funding allocations proposed by major political parties could bring notable changes to schools across the country. In addition, the Election has the potential to significantly impact upon our people practices, with proposed changes in employment law and workplace regulations.Some … Read more

Can a permanent employee transition to a fixed- term contract?

While it’s unusual, yes, permanent employees can transition to fixed-term contracts. Both employers and employees can agree to modify employment terms whenever required. However, this change can only be made with the explicit consent of the employee. Though legally permissible, such a shift doesn’t happen frequently due to the complexities tied to continuity of service … Read more

Education staff wellbeing charter – Gov.uk

Updated resources to support  the education staff wellbeing charter were released on 8th May 2024. The education staff wellbeing charter is a declaration of support for, and a set of commitments, to the wellbeing and mental health of everyone working in education. The charter is for education staff in England. This includes temporary and support staff. … Read more