Christine, Julie, and Laura - known as the Knowledge Team - bring extensive expertise in employment law, HR, and learning & development. With diverse backgrounds spanning top-tier law firms, in-house roles, and voluntary organisations across the UK and Ireland, they provide informed and strategic support on employment matters.
Our team includes qualified (now non-practising) employment solicitors with experience in both legal and corporate sectors, alongside an experienced HR professional and CIPD Associate Member, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workplace challenges.
Welcome to the Friday Round-up: In a week where Man Utd and the UK’s Eurovision act both delivered performances that’d trigger a disciplinary in any decent HR system ⚽🎤🚨
Only got a minute? Here are 5 HR stories that matter this week:
- ⚖️ EAT ruling: Can Unfavourable Treatment of a Disabled Employee be Justified? A sharp reminder on disability and fair treatment
- 🌧️💰 Clouds Gathering for Business after 'Awful April' - Economic headwinds ahead?
- 🚨 41% of Employers Unaware Stress Risk Assessment is Legally Required - Are you one of them?
- 🕵️♂️ Man Fakes Degree and Passport to Land Jobs at Two Law Firms - Credentials check, anyone?
- 🎧☕ Are Employers Truly Tuned in to What Gen Z Needs? Spoiler: It’s not just beanbags and free coffee
And in other news... join Seamus and Christine with special guest Denise Collins of ForeBee Consulting for the next Employment Law at 11 - REGISTER NOW!
**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.**
CONTENTS ⚓︎
- Case Law Reviews
- AI and Employment Law
- Northern Ireland Good Jobs Consultation response: proposals and comparison with position in Great Britain
- International Employment Lawyer - Guide to Pay Transparency
- Generations in the Workforce
- Economic Outlook
- Flexible and remote working
- Just in Case You Missed It...
- HR Developments
- Employment News in the Media
- GB Developments
- Health and Safety Developments
- Free Webinars This Month
1. Case Law Reviews ⚓︎
Rodgers v Montalto Properties Ltd [2025]
Summary Description:
Claim dismissed for failure to adhere to the time limits for the submission of a claim form. The claimant became aware of the need to submit within the time frame when she sought advice from the Equality Commission.
Claimant:
Dolores Rodgers
Respondent:
Montalto Properties Ltd
Practical Guidance for Employers:
The Tribunal was mindful of the circumstances faced by the claimant and that her first language was British Sign Language. This could have allowed for some discretion when it came to the time limits and being able to submit the form. However, when the claimant had sought advice from the Equality Commission and she was informed of the fact that she needed to submit the form and there were time limits when it meant that there was no reasonable explanation for the delay.
Read the Review in full:
Legal Island | Rodgers v Montalto Properties Ltd [2025]
Melki v Bouygues E & S Contracting UK Ltd [2025]
Summary Description:
Appeal allowed where the failure to attach the grounds of resistance to a notice of appeal was regarded as a minor error which was quickly rectified by the claimant.
Claimant/Appellant:
Reza Melki
Respondent:
Bouygues E & S Contracting UK Ltd
Practical Guidance for Employers:
Whilst this case relates to the EAT procedures – the interpretation of what is deemed a minor error is useful for appeals from the Industrial Tribunal to the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland. The fact that it is looked at from the perspective of minor in the context of the rule to be followed rather than the overall case does provide for more flexibility and discretion for the appellate court in deciding whether the error is minor and where it has been rectified then it could be used to allow for a case to proceed rather than being dismissed due to procedural issues.
Read the Review in full:
Melki v Bouygues E & S Contracting UK 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/
2. AI and Employment Law ⚓︎
AI may be exposing jobseekers to discrimination
AI tools are revolutionizing hiring and workforce management by swiftly ranking and evaluating applicants. These systems help recruiters decide who progresses in the hiring process, but they also raise concerns about discrimination. Operating at an unmatched speed and scale, AI assessments may be opaque to job seekers, who often remain unaware they are being evaluated by algorithms. More from The Conversation:
https://theconversation.com/ai-may-be-exposing-jobseekers-to-discrimination-heres-how-we-could-better-protect-them-256789
AI is no longer about upskilling. It’s about full scale transformation
In his new podcast episode, Barry Phillips explores how Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond upskilling to become a force for full-scale organisational change. In this episode, he considers the challenges and opportunities this presents for HR and employment law professionals as they adapt to a rapidly evolving world of work.
AI is no longer about upskilling. It’s about full scale transformation
3. Northern Ireland Good Jobs Consultation response: proposals and comparison with position in Great Britain ⚓︎
The team at DAC Beachcroft summarise the main proposals and compare them to the current law in Great Britain and to the proposals for reform contained in the Employment Rights Bill, which will (for the most part) apply only in Great Britain, and which is currently going through Parliament in Westminster. More here from Lexology:
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8ac3d5c6-cb3e-424d-a64c-282b5d32bfc6&utm_source=
4. International Employment Lawyer - Guide to Pay Transparency ⚓︎
IEL’s Guide to Pay Transparency provides a comprehensive overview of remuneration disclosure rules across 24 jurisdictions worldwide, as well as advice on how to mitigate risk, and create more transparent and equitable workplaces. You can use the guide to compare queries quickly and easily across various jurisdictions. For ease of reference, users can conduct their research online or download a PDF of just the questions and answers that matter to them, or save whole chapters for later review:
https://www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/guidetopaytransparency
5. Generations in the Workforce ⚓︎
UK and EU agree to collaborate on ‘youth experience scheme’
According to the UK government, the reciprocal scheme “could see young people able to work and travel freely” in Europe again. It would however be “capped and time-limited”, and would mirror existing schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand. An EU statement on the agreement said the two sides would work towards a “balanced youth experience scheme” on terms to be mutually agreed. More from Personnel Today:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/uk-and-eu-agree-to-collaborate-on-youth-experience-scheme/
Is your workplace ready for Gen Z?
Gen Z is entering the workforce with a new set of expectations—prioritising wellbeing, purpose, and flexibility over traditional perks and paychecks. But with headlines warning of a “productivity crisis” and rising youth worklessness, are employers truly tuned in to what this generation needs? HRD Connect talks to the COO of Virgin Incentives in this article:
https://www.hrdconnect.com/2025/04/22/is-your-workplace-ready-for-gen-z-virgin-incentives-coo-has-answers/
6. Economic Outlook ⚓︎
Reeves’ taxes push inflation to 3.5 per cent in ‘Awful April’
Inflation bounced back up to 3.5 per cent in April, official data has revealed, underlining the cost burden firms are taking on after Chancellor Reeves’ tax hikes on employers and rise to the national living wage came into effect. The rebound in consumer price inflation came in an eventful month – dubbed ‘Awful April’ – which saw higher employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) kick into effect, energy bills soar by up to 6.4 per cent, and water bills increase by an average of £600. City AM has more:
https://www.cityam.com/reeves-taxes-push-inflation-to-3-5-per-cent-in-awful-april/
And...
Inflation clouds gathering for business
Responding to the latest inflation data, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Businesses are facing a perfect storm of cost-pressures which is fuelling inflation alongside rising household bills. While April’s jump was expected, the scale, to 3.5%, is concerning. With the national insurance hike, minimum wage rise and global tariffs, our research shows 55% of businesses are expecting to put up prices in the coming months.”
The full press release is here:
https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2025/05/inflation-clouds-gathering-for-business/
7. Flexible and remote working ⚓︎
Flexible working becoming the norm despite declarations of ‘great return to the office’
A study from King’s College London examines remote working trends in the UK from 2022 to 2024. The findings reveal that women and parents are the most resistant to employer mandates requiring full-time office attendance. Despite media narratives suggesting a widespread return to offices, the research found no substantial shift back to in-person work, with remote work rates remaining stable since 2022. Additionally, workers are increasingly prioritising flexibility, with compliance to strict five-day office mandates dropping from 54% in early 2022 to 42% by the end of 2024, which suggests a growing disconnect between employer expectations and employee preferences. You can read more from Facilitate Magazine:
https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/news/2025/05/21/flexible-working-becoming-norm-despite-declarations-great-return-office
However…
HSBC high street bank staff face bonus cuts over remote working
HSBC has told staff in its UK high street banks that it may cut their bonuses if they do not work in the office frequently enough. The bank told employees at its HSBC UK division, which includes its retail and domestic commercial banking businesses, that anyone who did not spend at least 60% of their time in the office could end up being paid less. The Guardian has more on this:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/21/hsbc-high-street-staff-face-bonus-cut-if-they-dont-come-into-work-enough
8. Just in Case You Missed It... ⚓︎
Unreturned company property: How do I Handle it?
An employee leaves - but their laptop, phone, or keycard shouldn't. Sound familiar? Unreturned company property is a recurring HR challenge. But what can you actually do about it? Emma Doherty, Associate at Tughans LLP, provides the answer in this month's "How do I Handle it?":
https://legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/unreturned-company-property-how-do-i-handle-it
9. HR Developments ⚓︎
The flexibility rebellion
New research from King’s College London reveals a stark reality for reward professionals: less than half of UK workers would comply with full-time return-to-office mandates, fundamentally challenging traditional approaches to employee retention and engagement. This shift demands a complete rethink of how organisations structure their reward and recognition strategies. Read more:
https://www.reward-strategy.com/news/the-flexibility-rebellion-26612
Benefits in the balance: Data holds the key to HR’s strategic influence
With tighter budgets, rising employee expectations, and greater scrutiny from leaders, instincts and good intentions no longer suffice. Business leaders want hard evidence their employee benefits and wellbeing programmes deliver value; not just for employees, but for their business. HR Magazine outlines six steps on how to use benefits data:
https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/comment/benefits-in-the-balance-data-holds-the-key-to-hr-s-strategic-influence
Workplace manipulation or mindful manoeuvring?
It’s often a fine line between positive and negative workplace strategies, so how can you ensure that you’re on the right side? Silicon Republic has more here:
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/employees-use-manipulation-mindful-manoeuvring-skills
Toxic positivity is gaslighting staff and destroying psychological safety
HR leaders play a critical role here. If you’re serious about building a culture of trust and high performance, you must help your organisation understand the difference between authentic optimism and enforced positivity. More from HR Director:
https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/hr/toxic-positivity-gaslighting-staff-destroying-psychological-safety/
10. Employment News in the Media ⚓︎
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon was not vicariously liable for the actions of its door staff, who were independent contractors rather than employees, the High Court has ruled. Wetherspoon (JDW) was appealing a decision which had found it liable for injuries caused to customer Stephenus Bernadus Burger when he was restrained at a branch in Guildford by door staff employed by private security company Risk Solutions BG Ltd in August 2018. Burger accused JDW of an ‘attempt to evade liability for the actions of security staff’ through its hiring of contractors. You can read more here from the Law Gazette:
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/wetherspoons-not-vicariously-liable-for-door-staff-actions-high-court-rules/5123354.article
The UK defence secretary is reviewing recruitment policies following concerns over the recording of candidates' past depression in the territorial army application process. Maria Eagle, minister of state for defence, stated in Parliament that outdated approaches are being changed, with new rules allowing candidates with mild or past depression to still be recruited under specific conditions. She clarified that a single episode of depression, if symptom-free for at least a year or if severe episodes occurred over two years ago, would not be a barrier. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Niamh Hogg highlighted that under the Equality Act 2010, other employers cannot ask about a candidate’s mental health during recruitment. HR Magazine has more on this story:
https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/mod-to-review-asking-about-mental-health-during-recruitment
Unions have accepted a pay offer for further education lecturers, the Department for the Economy has said. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the University College Union (UCU) and NASUWT, the teachers' union, had agreed to an offer of 5.5% for 2024/25, reports the BBC:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8reg65mz2ko
A 43-year-old man who gained employment at two law firms in the county, after he used a false university degree certificate and false passport, has been sentenced. Gloucester Crown Court was told how Aditya Rai also gained a false UK driving licence under a different name, Ali Ryan, and used a photo of himself and false date of birth. He then applied for two bank accounts under the same false name. Rai then used forged academic certificates which showed he had a law degree, and created a false CV, which he used to obtain employment at three different firms. More from Punchline:
https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/man-who-gained-employment-using-forged-certificates-sentenced-gloucester-crown-court
British Airways (BA) has has to cough up over £3 million after employees were left with brain bleeds and fractured spines following incidents at Heathrow Airport. BA was prosecuted and fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the two separate incidents at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. More from MyLondon:
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/british-airways-fined-more-3m-31666102
Marks & Spencer has said it expects current-year profits to take a £300m hit from a "highly sophisticated" cyber incident that has hampered operations over the past month. The attack has hit food sales through reduced availability, while waste and logistics costs have risen due to the need to operate manual processes. Meanwhile, ecommerce sales for fashion, home and beauty still remain paused, with M&S expecting online disruption to continue throughout June and into July. More here from Sharecast:
https://www.sharecast.com/news/news-and-announcements/ms-estimates-pound300m-hit-from-cyberattack-as-fy-profits-tank--19756040.html
11. GB Developments
Fire and rehire: the relocation question
Much has been said about the ‘unintended consequences’ of the Employment Rights Bill. Darren Newman argues that even the most reasonable employer could face automatic unfair dismissal claims if it tries to relocate staff, and that the government fundamentally misunderstands how issues of fire and rehire can arise. Catch up:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/fire-and-rehire-the-relocation-question/
Case update: Disability and discrimination
In light of a recent EAT ruling, Helen Burgess considers when unfavourable treatment of a disabled employee can be justified in this article for People Management:
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1918425/case-update-disability-discrimination
Consultation launched after Supreme Court ‘sex’ ruling
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, and the widely expressed desire for authoritative guidance on its implications, the EHRC has now opened a fresh consultation on a number of further updates. Having incorporated them into the relevant sections of the code of practice, the EHRC is asking for views on whether these updates clearly articulate the practical implications of the judgment and enable those who use the code to understand and comply with the Equality Act. Personnel Today has more on this:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/consultation-launched-after-supreme-court-sex-ruling/
The consultation can be found here:
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/equality/equality-act-2010/codes-practice/code-practice-services-public-functions-and-associations
12. Health and Safety Developments ⚓︎
Employers ‘worryingly’ ignorant about stress risk assessments
The survey by Occupational Health Assessment of 115 senior HR professionals, between them representing 88,000 workers, found widespread ignorance about stress risk assessments. Four out of every 10 employers (41%) were unaware that a formal stress risk assessment is legally required to be completed by any organisation with five or more employees. Moreover, a quarter (25%) of all the employers surveyed had never undertaken a stress risk assessment. You can read more here from Personnel Today:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/employers-worryingly-ignorant-about-stress-risk-assessments/
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13. Free Webinars This Month ⚓︎
FREE WEBINAR: Employment Law at 11 - Restructuring with Respect
📅Friday, 06 June 2025
⏲️11:00 - 11:45 ( 45 mins )
With rising concerns around “quiet redundancies”, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty, many employees are feeling unsettled.
In this timely webinar, Employment Law at 11 regular Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and special guest Denise Collins of ForeBee Consulting, will explore how to handle redundancy lawfully and respectfully—from fair processes and communication, to supporting those affected and retaining trust among those who stay.
A practical session for anyone involved in difficult workforce decisions. Legal Island’s Christine Quinn will be on hand to put your questions to Seamus and Denise LIVE!
Tell your HR colleagues and register individually or get your HR team around the computer and use the webinars as monthly group learning opportunities. Ask any questions (on employment law) and hear the answers live or catch up later when we upload both a recording and transcript of the discussion. Or catch up on Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music while you're on the go!
NOTE: – Send your questions in advance to gosia@legal-island.com. Anonymity assured.
Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.
Check out previous discussions:
Legal Island | Webinars and Podcasts
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