⏱️ Short on time? Read this - Your top 5 essentials this week ⬇️

1. 🧠 AI vs Humans in Courtrooms – AI-generated transcripts must hit 99.5% accuracy to match human standards.
2. 🧒 Know Your Rights! – Congress Youth rolls out a new guide for young workers in NI.
3. 💼 HR Under Pressure – Recruitment, retention & turnover are piling on the stress for HR teams.
4. ⚖️ When to Mediate – A quick-read practical blog for HR pros & solicitors.
5. 💸 NI Hike Fallout – Employers may risk cash-in-hand payments as NI costs rise.

And in other news..............the robots aren't just coming—they’ve got legal backing. 🤖 AI literacy isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s your new legal headache. Join our FREE webinar to find out what AI literacy actually means at work, how to roll it out across your org without losing your mind, and what could happen if you ignore it (spoiler: it’s not great). Register HERE.

**If you have any difficulties accessing the article or resetting your password (if you haven’t already done so in 2025) please email hub@legal-island.com and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.**

1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Congress Youth launch Your Rights at Work guide for young workers in NI
4. Just in Case You Missed It...
5. HR Developments
6. Employment News in the Media
7. GB Developments
8. Health and Safety Developments
9. Free Webinars This Month

Brake Bros Ltd v Hudek [2025] EAT 53

Summary Description: 

Claimant, lorry driver, not entitled to pay for additional hours worked where the contract of employment stated that he would be required to work five shifts per week of variable length.

Claimant/Respondent on Appeal: 

S Hudek

Respondent/Appellant on Appeal: 

Brake Bros Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

Yet again the contract of employment and ensuring clarity within that document has come to the fore.  The issue here was the extent of the working hours required for the claimant. In this situation the construction of the contract was the guiding light for the EAT and the threshold was not met for an implied term to be inserted relating to the additional hours.  Employers and employee should be aware of the contractual rights and responsibilities should these issues arise and to act accordingly.

Read the Review in full:
Brake Bros Ltd v Hudek [2025]

Cassidy v Doma (NI) Ltd [2025] NIIT 32465/23

Summary Description:

Claimant entitled to one month notice pay as well as outstanding holiday pay.   The contract of employment had some contradictory terms, and the Tribunal interpreted it in the claimant’s favour.

Claimant:

Leo Cassidy

Respondent:

Doma (NI) Limited

Practical Guidance for Employers:

The sums in this judgment are relatively low but still important to the claimant involved.  The message exchange between the claimant and respondent was initially cordial but that quickly eroded when the claimant sought to rely upon his rights.   The contractual provisions govern the relationship and having differences within the same document causes confusion. But in this situation, as the claimant was able to prove he was dismissed, it was held to be one month rather than one week notice.  The learning point is to ensure that contracts of employment are clear, intelligible and that the respondent is aware of the ramifications of them when making decision affecting employees.

Read the Review in full:
Cassidy v Doma (NI) Ltd [2025]

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These case reviews were written by Jason Elliott BL.  NI Tribunal decisions are available on the OITFET website:
http://www.employmenttribunalsni.co.uk/

If you have any queries or wish to comment on the reports please feel free to contact Jason at: jasondelliott@outlook.com 

Jason Elliott was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2013 and is the Associate Head of School of Law at Ulster University.  As a practising barrister, he has developed a largely civil practice representing individuals, companies and public bodies in litigation.  This covers a wide range of areas including personal injuries, wills and employment law. In terms of employment law, he has represented both applicants and respondents in the Industrial Tribunal.   At Ulster University, Jason lectures extensively on the civil areas of practise such as Equity and Trusts and delivers employment law lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Remember: Our case law reviews are held in our case law section on our fully-searchable employment law hub website:
https://www.legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/case-law-search-page/

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AI court transcripts will need ‘similar accuracy’ levels to 99.5% human standard

Government is “actively exploring” the potential use of artificial intelligence in creating formal transcripts of criminal court proceedings – but will require the technology to provide similar levels of accuracy to those offer by human professionals. The Ministry of Justice is currently examining the potential implementation of automated, tech-powered transcription for Crown Court cases, which could help save money, according to Sarah Sackman, the MoJ’s minister with responsibility for court reform – including AI and digitisation. But, in answer to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP David Davis, the minister stressed the importance of machines replicating the performance standards of the human experts that currently provide the justice system with transcription services. Public Technology has more on this story:
https://www.publictechnology.net/2025/05/06/public-order-justice-and-rights/ai-court-transcripts-will-need-similar-accuracy-levels-to-99-5-human-standard/

Research: Do LLMs Have Values? 

The team at AI Alt Lab study AI ethics and policy, and recently they had an idea: Why not investigate what happens when you ask popular generative Large Language Models (LLMs) to rank their values using the same Portrait Values Questionnaire-Revised (PVQ-RR) questionnaire used in recruitment? The results shared in this article from Harvard Business Review may surprise you:
https://hbr.org/2025/05/research-do-llms-have-values

Is AI Coming for Anyone Who Doesn't Do AI — Or Just Everyone?

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Barry Phillips unpacks the growing influence of artificial intelligence on HR and employment law. He explores whether AI is a threat to those who resist it—or a challenge for everyone. A must-listen for employers seeking clarity on compliance, capability and the future of work.

Is AI Coming for Anyone Who Doesn't Do AI — Or Just Everyone?

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The Congress Youth Committee has launched an online guide designed to inform young workers in Northern Ireland about their rights at work. The Your Rights at Work guide is a living document, meaning it will be continuously updated to reflect changes in employment law and workers’ rights. This resource is a vital tool for empowering young workers by providing them with clear, accessible information on their entitlements, including the right to join a trade union. More from ICTU:
https://www.ictuni.org/news/congress-youth-launch-your-rights-work-guide-young-workers

The guide can be downloaded here:
https://www.ictuni.org/publications/your-rights-work-ni

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When to Mediate: A Practical Guide for HR professionals and solicitors

The second article from Juris Resolutions provides HR professionals and solicitors with a framework for identifying when mediation is the preferred approach. How mediating cases early can help with creating a positive workplace culture. Read the full article on our Hub here:
https://legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/when-to-mediate-a-practical-guide-for-hr-professionals-and-solicitors

Carer's Leave: Will individuals have the right to a minimum amount of days per year, and would that be prorated?

In this Seamus Says article, employment law expert Seamus McGranaghan speculates on the introduction of carer’s leave in Northern Ireland and what it’s likely to look like. He also explores whether individuals will be entitled to a minimum number of days per year—and if that entitlement will be prorated. A timely and practical read for HR teams anticipating legislative change. Read here: 
Carer's Leave: Will individuals have the right to a minimum amount of days per year, and would that be prorated?

Missed the webinar?

If you didn’t catch it live and want to hear more from Seamus on this critical topic, you can watch the full recording here:
Employment Law at 11 - 7th March 2025

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Immigration Law Changes HR Teams should watch out for this spring

It is crucial that employers keep on top of these changes as Home Office compliance visits have shot up 40% year-on-year, and civil penalties are rising too, with over £20 million issued in the last recorded quarter. More:
https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/employment_law/immigration-law-changes-hr-teams-watch-spring/

One-third of women reluctant to discuss health issues in the workplace

Research from Irish Life Health shows that a high percentage of women at work believe that discussing health concerns could negatively impact their careers. More from Silicon Republic:
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/women-health-issues-workplace-irish-life-equality

Recruitment, retention and turnover – high stress for HR

Research by HR, payroll and benefits software provider Ciphr has found that the challenges of employee retention are the third highest source of stress for the profession. The results from a survey of over 270 UK HR decision-makers suggests that most HR professionals (94 per cent) are affected by work stress and find at least one aspect of their job stressful. Workloads topped the list of things causing them the most stress and anxiety (cited by 29 per cent of respondents), followed by rising costs (26 per cent), the challenges of employee retention (24 per cent), and managing budgets (24 per cent). You can read more on this from the Global Recruiter:
https://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/recruitment-retention-and-turnover-high-stress-for-hr

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A London NHS worker has been awarded almost £30,000 in compensation after being compared to Star Wars villain Darth Vader at work. Lorna Rooke’s colleague took an online Star Wars-themed personality test on her behalf, which compared the NHS blood donation worker to one of the world’s most recognisable ‘baddies’. More:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/nhs-star-wars-darth-vader-croydon-b1226490.html

A pay offer of 5.5% for further education (FE) lecturers "falls short" of pay parity with teachers. That is according to the University and College Union (UCU), one of the main unions representing FE lecturers in Northern Ireland. Lecturers have been offered a 5.5% rise for 2024/25 and a 3% rise in 2025/26. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the offer provided "a further step towards parity with teachers". More:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9895yqvpmdo

A former head of employment at a national firm who argued he was overlooked for promotion to equity partner has lost in his employment tribunal claim. Gerard Airey brought a complaint of constructive unfair dismissal and detriment due to health and safety against his former firm Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP. The employment tribunal, sitting at London Central, dismissed both complaints finding they were both not well-founded reports the Law Society Gazette:
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/former-employment-heads-claim-against-firm-dismissed/5123195.article

A woman has been awarded over £24,000 in compensation as a result of wrongful dismissal. Joanne Neill - who had been struggling with her mental health - worked as a part-time employee at skincare company Dermalogica UK, and was told on a day off that she was getting the sack in an online call. Following an employment tribunal, she was awarded a compensation after it found she suffered from part-time worker and sex discrimination. Lad Bible has more here:
https://www.ladbible.com/news/uk-news/joanne-neill-dermalogica-employment-tribunal-120014-20250506

The rise in employer's National Insurance (NI) increases the risk that businesses will resort to making off-the-books cash payments to staff, a study for Stormont's Department of Finance suggests. From April employers have had to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000, up from 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. The study by Ulster University academics, which included consultation with business groups, said this risks encouraging the "informal economy". More from the BBC:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx202nlg728o

Usdaw’s Annual Delegate Meeting supported a call for much-needed extra funding for the Employment Tribunal Service to reduce waiting times and provide justice for workers. Delegates also opposed any re-introduction of tribunal fees. The full press release is here:
https://www.usdaw.org.uk/latest-news/adm-2025-employment-tribunal-service/

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Zero-hours workers’ rights to be extended from beyond the grave

Workers’ families and estates in GB could be awarded compensation after their death if businesses breach a ban on zero-hours contracts under a government amendment to the GB Employment Rights Bill, now being considered in the House of Lords. Personnel Today has more:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/zero-hours-workers-rights-to-be-extended-from-beyond-the-grave/

GB Tribunal backlog worsens ahead of employment reforms

The backlog at the Employment Tribunal in GB has jumped nearly 28 per cent over the last year, putting the government in an awkward position ahead of its highly contentious Employment Rights Bill. According to HM Courts & Tribunals Service data obtained by law firm Littler, there are 49,800 cases waiting to be heard by a Tribunal at the end of the final quarter of last year, up from 39,000 in the same period of 2023. This comes as a Bill focused on employment reforms, which included ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, banning fire and rehire tactics and extending employment rights from day one, nears its final stages in Parliament. More from City AM:
https://www.cityam.com/tribunal-backlog-worsens-ahead-of-employment-reforms/

Ministers urged to outlaw misuse of NDAs in GB

A former cabinet minister will join activists today to demand that the Westminster government uses its GB Employment Rights Bill to outlaw the abusive use of non-disclosure agreements. Labour MP Louise Haigh, who resigned as transport secretary in November, will join campaigners this afternoon to deliver a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for a ban on the misuse of NDAs in cases of workplace harassment, discrimination and abuse. The petition, signed by more than 91,000 people in just three weeks, comes seven years after former prime minister Theresa May initially promised reform, and the day before the Bill is debated in the House of Lords. Personnel Today has more:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/ministers-urged-to-outlaw-misuse-of-ndas/

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HSENI to highlight need for healthier workplaces at Balmoral Show

HSENI is encouraging visitors to drop by their stand at the Balmoral Show next week and learn more about their healthier workplaces campaign. Experts will be on hand to give advice on making work, whether it’s a factory or farm, a healthier place with a focus on four key areas: stress, lung health, musculoskeletal issues, and occupational cancers. More here:
https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/hseni-highlight-need-healthier-workplaces-balmoral-show

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AI Literacy in Action: What It Is, How to Deliver It, and Why It Matters

🗓 Wednesday, 14 May 2025
🕚 11:00 – 11:30 (30 mins)
💻 Online

Register HERE.

Is your organisation prepared for the new AI compliance era?

With the EU AI Act now in force, for many employers AI literacy is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a legal and operational necessity. This webinar will explain exactly what AI literacy means in the context of today’s workplace, how to effectively deliver it across your organisation, and the consequences of failing to act.

Join us for a practical and informative session tailored to HR, compliance, learning & development, and leadership teams. Learn how to safeguard your organisation while empowering staff to use AI responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with evolving legislation.

You’ll gain insight into:

•    Why is everyone talking about AI Literacy suddenly?
•    What AI literacy looks like in practice—and why it’s broader than just tech know-how 
•    The risks of low literacy levels for individuals and organisations alike 
•    The legal implications of the EU AI Act and data protection rules 
•    Strategies for embedding AI literacy through eLearning and cultural transformation 
•    How to future-proof your organisation’s use of AI and GenAI tools
•    How to measure for improvements in AI Literacy
•    What are the costs and risks of doing nothing here?

Speaker: Barry Phillips, Chairman, Legal Island

Barry is a passionate advocate of responsible use of AI in the workplace, arguing that the goal of employers now should be to become “Super worker” organisations where all employees are empowered and upskilled by AI.

He has delivered numerous presentations, webinars and workshops to hundreds of organisations on GenAI since the beginning of 2023. He is also author of “ChatGPT in HR – A Practical Guide for Employers and HR Professionals” (2025), available on Amazon and at other booksellers online.

MCS Lunch and Learn: What Top Recruiters Know that You Don’t (Yet)

🗓 Thursday, 22 May 2025
🕚 12:00 – 12:45 (45 mins)
💻 Online       

Register HERE.
                                                                 
Join Julie from Legal Island for an MCS Lunch and Learn webinar with leading recruitment experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan. In the first quarter of 2025, the business and recruitment landscape has already been reshaped by macroeconomic, socio-economic, and political forces. Policy changes, inflationary pressures, and shifts in the labour market are compelling organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland to reassess their HR strategies. As workforce dynamics continue to evolve and skills demands grow, it’s essential for HR professionals to adapt their approaches to remain competitive and effectively meet new challenges.

In this 45-minute webinar, Ryan and Rebekah will share the latest trends in recruitment, exploring how organisations are addressing skills shortages, meeting the demand for flexible work, and adapting to the changing expectations of today’s candidates. From the rise of AI-assisted applications to the impact of global DEI rollbacks on local employer brands, they’ll outline the trends that will define talent acquisition in 2025 and beyond.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• Evolving Hiring Trends – Gain insight into where job demand is expected to increase in the next year.
• Practical Strategies for Addressing Skills Shortages and Talent Demands – Learn how organisations are responding to economic pressures and shifting labour markets.
• Building an Authentic and Competitive Employer Brand – Discover how cultural fit and retention efforts can strengthen your recruitment strategy.

Learn how to build trust and strengthen your employer brand in an era where candidates are more informed than ever. Our experts will also discuss how HR teams can stay authentic and competitive in a rapidly shifting environment - ensuring your organisation’s values shine through at every touchpoint, from job adverts to interviews and beyond. Expect practical tips, straight-talking insights, and just enough humour to make your talent challenges feel (almost) manageable.

Got questions? Bring them along! Ryan and Rebekah will be answering audience questions, giving you the chance to get expert advice on the issues that matter most to you.

Check out previous discussions:
Legal Island | Webinars and Podcasts

Enjoy your weekend!

Legal Island

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