With out-of-offices piling up, we’re keeping things short and sharp. Below are the top 5 headlines you need to know - all killer, no filler:

1. 📜GB's Employment Rights Bill Shake-Up: NDA Ban signals what's ahead for employers
2. 🎯🌈TUC survey: 4 in 10 employees reported offensive jokes or banter about LGBT+ people
3. 😭 Crying at work - is there room for emotion in the workplace?
4. 🤢🕵️‍♀️Sick employees to stay home or verify their location via WhatsApp - quashed after public outcry
5. 🧑‍✈️✈️Ryanair case could set precedent for gig and agency staff rights - time for employers to review classifications.

In other news...We're delighted to celebrate two friends of Legal Island who've been recognised for their impact on DEI - proof that good work still gets noticed. Read more 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. LGBT+ workers face “pervasive” levels of bullying, discrimination and harassment, TUC warns
4. “Huge win” for workers’ rights as Court of Appeal upholds landmark ruling
5. From Belfast to Dublin to London: What’s Different in Employment Law?
6. Business activity in Northern Ireland fell in June
7. Just in Case You Missed It...
8. HR Developments
9. Employment News in the Media
10. GB Developments
11. Friends of Legal Island
12. Free Webinars This Month

Wallace v Citibank NI UK [2025]

Summary Description: 

Time extended on just and equitable grounds when a race discrimination claim was presented out of time.

Claimant: 

Tadela Wallace

Respondent: 

Citibank NI UK

Practical Guidance for Employers:

The exercise of the just and equitable test is well seen in this instance. It is a lower threshold than that seen with other claims where the not reasonably practicable test is used. To this end, the circumstances of the claimant were such to allow time to be extended. The unfair dismissal aspect was an easier one but it is good to be reminded of the need to have that one years’ continuous service for the right to crystallise.

Read the Review in full:
Legal Island | Wallace v Citibank NI UK [2025]

Ryan v Lacpatrick Dairies NI Ltd [2025]

Summary Description: 

Held that it was not just and equitable to extend time when the claimant was waiting for help from her sister in submitting the claim.

Claimant/Appellant: 

Roxanne Ryan

Respondent: 

Lacpatrick Dairies NI Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This case illustrates a situation in which the "just and equitable" test was not satisfied, given the particular facts. While each case is determined on its own merits - especially the reasons for the delay in presenting the claim - the Keeble factors offer a useful framework for assessing whether an extension of time is likely to be granted. Parties involved in such claims should carefully consider these factors before deciding to proceed where the limitation period has already expired.

Read the Review in full:
Legal Island | Ryan v Lacpatrick Dairies NI Ltd [2025]

Back to Top

These case reviews were written by Jason Elliott BL.  NI Tribunal decisions are available on the OITFET website.

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.

Back to Top

TUPE or not TUPE? How AI and cloud are rewriting the rules of supplier transitions

TUPE – a set of UK regulations derived from European Union law – was designed to protect employees when services are outsourced or transferred. But what happens when the new supplier doesn't need people ­because the work is now done by AI, bots, or cloud platforms? The Register provides guidance.

AI at work: Employers not moving swiftly enough to manage use

More employers need to clarify how and to what extent they are happy for their staff to use artificial intelligence, a lawyer has warned. GenAI – such as ChatGPT – is increasingly being used to improve efficiency and manage workloads by taking on tasks in businesses and organisations across almost every sector. But, Kate Wyatt, a Partner in employment law at independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays, says the pace at which artificial intelligence is being deployed in workplaces is not being matched by the way its use is controlled. She said: “From our experience, highly regulated areas of work are actively controlling how employees use AI. HR Director has more.

Event: Streamlining HR Tasks with ChatGPT

Discover how to use ChatGPT and other leading AI tools to streamline HR admin, write policies and job descriptions, summarise legal texts, and boost productivity. Learn prompt engineering techniques, explore risks and limitations, and compare top AI platforms like Gemini, Claude and Copilot. Ideal for beginners to intermediate users, this session delivers real-world HR use cases and expert insights. Stay ahead in your role—efficient, ethical, and AI-ready. Check out Legal Island's event on 29th July here.

Understanding that AI is here to complete HR not compete with it.

In this episode, Barry Phillips discusses how AI can enhance HR by handling routine tasks, freeing professionals to focus on what matters most. Far from replacing people, AI supports smarter, more strategic HR.

You can also access the episode here.

Back to Top

Bullying, discrimination and harassment of LGBT+ workers is “pervasive” in workplaces the TUC has warned.  

The TUC polling workplace mistreatment came in different forms: 

• Close to 4 in 10 (37%) reported offensive jokes or banter about LGBT+ people.
• Close to 3 in 10 (28%) experiences homophobic, bi-phobic or transphobic remarks directed at them or made in their presence.
• Close to 2 in 10 (19%) reported verbal abuse (including name calling) about LGBT+ people, directed at themselves or others.

The full press TUC release has more. 

Back to Top

In a key win for workers’ rights, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ryanair pilot Jason Lutz - hired via agency Storm Global - was wrongly classified as self-employed and is in fact a 'worker.' This means he's entitled to rights like holiday pay and sick leave. The case, backed by BALPA, could reshape employment standards across aviation and the gig economy, prompting firms to rethink how they treat freelance and agency staff. More from BALPA.

And…

EAT rules in favour of BCA drivers in worker status appeal

The EAT has affirmed the earlier decision of an employment tribunal that hundreds of drivers working for BCA Logistics, a vehicle remarketing company, were “workers” and so entitled to employment rights including those conferred by national minimum wage and working time legislation. This appeal took place in the context of a large group action brought by around 1,000 current and former drivers seeking compensation for failure to pay national minimum wage and holiday pay. BCA Logistics maintained in response to the claims that the claimants were independent contractors, rather than workers, and so did not qualify for these employment rights. Matrix Chambers explains what this means for employers.

Back to Top

Find out in our newly updated Comparative Employment Law Table from Lewis Silkin (Paul Gillen, Siobhra Rush, Orla Bingham) and Legal Island, current as of June 2025.

Whether you’re HR, in-house counsel or just trying to keep on top of legal changes, this table gives you a quick, clear view of the key similarities and differences in employment law across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

🔭 We’ve also added a ‘look forward’ section so you can see what’s coming down the track, plus 🔗 links to legislation, commentary and other useful resources to help you dig deeper when needed. You can catch up here.

Back to Top

Business activity in Northern Ireland experienced a slight decline in June, according to Ulster Bank’s monthly survey of private sector firms. The dip was primarily due to a reduction in new orders, as respondents cited subdued footfall and limited client enquiries. Despite the slowdown, businesses reported a positive development- staffing levels rose for the first time since January. Overall, the economic picture remains mixed, with employment gains offering a glimmer of resilience amid sluggish demand, reports the BBC.

Back to Top

NI ‘Good Jobs’ Proposals: Nothing ‘casual’ about proposed changes to zero-hours contracts

There’s nothing ‘casual’ about the Department for the Economy’s latest response to the Good Jobs consultation. Major legal changes to zero-hours contracts in Northern Ireland are on the horizon - but not a full ban. Emma Grossmith and Emmie Ellison of Lewis Silkin LLP break down what’s coming, as the Department moves to tackle ‘exploitative’ practices and shift the balance towards fairness and certainty for workers. Read the full update here.

How mediation works and why it is different from traditional tribunal claims

In the latest instalment from Juris Resolutions, Kathy, Martin and Rosemary unpack how workplace mediation works - and why it’s resolving disputes faster, cheaper and more effectively than tribunal claims. With an 85% success rate, it’s time HR took a closer look. Read more here.

Back to Top

Rachel Reeves gets mixed response to tearful Commons appearance – but is there room for emotion in the workplace?

Despite the stigma, experts say displays of vulnerability can be positive for wellbeing and team cohesion, reports People Management.

One in seven ‘revenge quit’ in latest employee trend

One in seven workers has ‘revenge quit’- resigned without notice - according to a new survey by Reed.co.uk. Based on responses from over 2,000 workers, 15% admitted to abruptly leaving their jobs, often driven by perceived mistreatment and social media influence. Poor management was the top reason cited by more than a third, followed by bad company culture (27%) and low pay (26%). Personnel Today has more on this.

From Silence to Strategy – tackling upward bullying in a hybrid age

Upward bullying - when subordinates target their managers - remains a blind spot in most organisations. Drawing on research, tribunal experience, and HR leadership, this article from HR Director exposes how hybrid work, grievance misuse, and identity dynamics create risk for unprotected leaders. It’s time for HR to move from silence to strategy- and build systems that safeguard everyone, not just subordinates.

Back to Top

Gregg Wallace has been sacked as MasterChef presenter as a result of an inquiry into alleged misconduct, BBC News understands. It comes as 50 more people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about the TV presenter - including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. Wallace denies the claims. The inquiry into allegations against him, conducted by an independent law firm on behalf of MasterChef's production company Banijay, is expected to report back imminently. More from BBC.

The former chair of the Belfast Trust, Ciaran Mulgrew, has said he believes he was sacked because he was being used as a "scapegoat" by the health minister. Mike Nesbitt sacked Mr Mulgrew in July, saying he believed a fresh start was required at the trust. However, Mr Mulgrew said the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, Mike Farrar, told him that he "did not support the minister's decision" to sack him, that he "advised against it and regarded it as a political decision made by the minister who was uncomfortable answering questions before the health committee". BBC has more.

Company director David Ashe was awarded £15,000 in compensation after successfully claiming constructive unfair dismissal against Claims Equilibrium Club. Ashe had been recruited with the promise of buying equity in the firm, but the offer was later withdrawn, and tensions with managing director Roger Topping escalated. Ashe cited bullying and inappropriate behaviour, including being told to “shut up” during staff meetings, as contributing factors to a hostile work environment. The tribunal found that Topping’s conduct undermined Ashe’s position and breached the employment contract. Personnel Today has the full story.

The Guardian reports a leaked email reveals that Swissport staff working at airports across the UK and Channel Islands are being rewarded with cash bonuses for flagging easyJet passengers carrying oversized bags. Employees at passenger gates can earn £1.20 per bag, or £1 after tax, for each one handed over at the gate. The incentive is reportedly active at seven airports, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Jersey and Newcastle. This scheme has sparked debate over whether such bonuses encourage overly strict enforcement of baggage rules. More from The Guardian here. 

TikTok has lost a battle over a preliminary issue in its appeal against a £12.7 million fine imposed by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The First-tier Tribunal has confirmed that the ICO had the power to issue a monetary penalty notice (MPN) to TikTok in April 2023. The case will now proceed to a full hearing on the substantive issues raised in TikTok’s appeal. More from Irish Legal News.

Back to Top

Workers in line for £29,000 boost thanks to landmark Pensions Bill

The Bill is set to transform the pensions landscape for years to come and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change. Working people on an average salary who save into a pension pot over their career, could benefit by up to £29,000 by the time they retire thanks to major Government reforms that will consolidate small pension pots, ensure schemes are value for money, and create larger pension schemes. You can read more here.

Employment Rights Bill Updates ☝️(remember - this doesn't apply in NI):

The final act before the final Act? Amendments to the Employment Rights Bill by the House of Lords

Just as the Employment Rights Bill makes its way to the last stages of the parliamentary process before it is given Royal Assent, peers in the House of Lords have proposed 63 pages of amendments.  The amendments contained in the list are significant, both in their number but also the likely effect that they will have on both employers and employees alike.
In this article for Mishcon de Reya, Will Winch sets out a summary of the some of the latest proposals, including areas such as:

•    Extended family leave
•    NDAs
•    ‘Fire and Rehire’ restrictions
•    Statutory Joint Industrial Councils

Amendment to Bereavement leave as part of Employment Rights Bill

The UK government is set to amend the Employment Rights Bill to allow bereavement leave for parents who experience a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. Currently, leave is only granted after 24 weeks, but the proposed change will ensure that grieving parents can take at least one week off work, with the specific duration still under consultation. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the update would give people the time they need to grieve without rushing back to work. The bill, which aims to expand employee rights around bereavement, is already moving through Parliament. More from the BBC.

Employment Rights Bill: Single Worker Status in limbo

The UK’s new Employment Rights Bill Roadmap has landed. However, a Labour Party promise – Single Worker Status – is conspicuously absent from immediate plans. The Freelance Informer asks what does this mean for the future of independent work and the contentious IR35 rules? Find out here. 

Back to Top

Inspirational D&I Leaders 2025 Announced! 

Congratulations to Conor Curran, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Staff Wellbeing at Queen’s University Belfast and Dr Mamobo Ogoro, Founder of GORM, for being recognised by peers as inspiring people accelerating workplace inclusion across the globe by d&i Leaders. Best wishes from all of us at Legal Island. You can read the full list here. 

Back to Top

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

🔔 Please note that the webinar has been rescheduled to 23rd July.

🗓  Thursday, 23 July 2025
🕚 12:00 – 12:45 (45 mins)
💻 Online

Register HERE.
                                                           
Join our 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.

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.

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.

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 long weekend!

Legal Island

Back to Top