Shanks v Lothian Health Board [2023] EAT 148
Decision Number: EAT 148 Legal Body: Employment Appeal Tribunal (Scotland)
Published on: 14/12/2023
Issues Covered:
Article Authors The main content of this article was provided by the following authors.
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Associate Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Associate Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason elliott new
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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.

Appellant:
KAREN SHANKS
Respondent:
LOTHIAN HEALTH BOARD
Background

Background:

The claimant was employed by the respondent as a catering assistant.   During the pandemic, the respondent required employees to wear face masks in compliance with the Scottish Government Regulations under the Coronavirus Act 2020.  The claimant disagreed with this and asked the respondent to provide the scientific basis for wearing masks.

Disciplinary proceedings were brought against the claimant for her refusal which led to dismissal for gross misconduct.  The claimant brought a claim for unfair dismissal.

Outcome:


The claimant made an argument based upon Schedule 19, Paragraph 3 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 which stated that individuals could not be required to undergo medical treatment including vaccination or other prophylactic treatments. She argued that the requirement to wear

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Disclaimer The information in this article is provided as part of Legal Island's Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this article. This article is correct at 14/12/2023