Alex Canham

Recent employment tribunal decisions have brought the spotlight back onto worker classification in the gig economy. A ruling on 7 November 2024 determined that Bolt drivers should be classified as workers, granting them essential employment rights such as holiday pay. In contrast, the case of Johnson v GT Gettaxi concluded that a black cab driver using a…

Robert Ogden, a driver employed by Booker Ltd in Royton since 2016, was dismissed in October 2023 for gross misconduct. His termination followed an incident where he was accused of making derogatory remarks to a female colleague. Ogden challenged his dismissal, arguing that the incident was isolated and did not reflect his usual conduct.

Darren Smith and Charlotte Harris of our Employment team answer the question: do employers have to let emotional support animals come to work? Background Deborah Cullingford, who worked as a bailiff in Leeds for over 10 years, brought a claim against the Ministry of Justice for disability discrimination and harassment after being prohibited from bringing her dog, Bella,…

The festive season is a time of joy, but for those navigating post-separation or post-divorce life, it can also bring challenges, especially regarding care of your children. As a parent, developing a harmonious holiday experience for your children while managing co-parenting dynamics is crucial. Here are some legal considerations and practical advice to help you…

Business Employers / Employees Property & Construction Private Wealth & Family

Employee dismissal backfires: worker wins unfair dismissal claim against employer after being fired for insulting a customer. A recent Employment Tribunal case has drawn attention to the importance of correct disciplinary procedures, after a worker who was summarily dismissed for calling a customer a t*** wins nearly £5,500 for unfair dismissal (Ms M. Jones v…

Yesterday, the UK Government revealed the Employment Rights Bill (the Bill), which set out their Plan to Make Work Pay. By introducing the Bill, Labour met their promise to introduce legislation on employment rights within 100 days of taking office. This was billed as a ‘once in a generation’ reform of employment rights, but what…

With only three weeks to go until the Worker Protection Act 2024 comes into force on 26 October 2024, it’s now critical that employers are getting to grips with the practical impact this change in the law will have. The Act will introduce new and significant obligations, in the form of this positive duty to…

As the 100-day deadline for Labour’s new legislation approaches, the Financial Times reported last week that UK employers will retain the right to place new employees on a six-month probation period, despite Labour’s election pledge that employees would receive day one rights. Previous reports suggested tensions between Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretory, who favoured longer probationary…

Thursday, 3 October 9-10:30am  Herrington Carmichael – Farnborough OfficeBrennan House, Farnborough Aerospace Centre Business Park Farnborough GU14 6XR With the new sexual harassment legislation set to take effect on October 26, 2024, organisations face heightened responsibilities to prevent and respond to harassment in the workplace. Are you prepared to meet these new legal requirements and…

The scope of protection for employees has widened. In British Airways PLC v Rollet and Others, it was acknowledged that the decision would open “the floodgates” to many more indirect discrimination claims and recent amendments to the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) have now embedded this additional protection in law. In this case, 49 Heathrow-based British…

Can a belief in English Nationalism be a protected belief? This issue was tested in the Employment Appeal Tribunal judgment in Thomas v. Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to treat someone less favourably due to their religion or philosophical belief. In this case, Mr Thomas had…