The Lawdown Episode 46: Autistic Children’s Centre Worker Subjected to Derogatory Comments by Manager, and Employment Tribunal Rules that Sighing at a Colleague Could be Deemed Discriminatory
July 1st, 2025 by Stuart Smith
In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Senior Associate Yulia Fedorenko and Partners Emma Bartlett and Beth Hale discuss the following: An autistic worker at a children’s centre who was subject to derogatory comments by his boss in Wrexham, Wales. We discuss the nuances of protected characteristics, and the use of certain terminology and language in the workplace. The employment tribunal […]
Should Solicitors Accused of Misconduct be Entitled to Anonymity in Disciplinary Proceedings? – Ten-Minute Talk
June 24th, 2025 by Stuart Smith
A recent decision of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to anonymise the identity of a respondent found to have committed sexual harassment has attracted considerable media attention. In this discussion, our Regulatory and Professional Discipline Partner, Andrew Pavlovic, and Partnership and Employment Partner and General Counsel, Beth Hale discuss the case, as well as their own experience of acting […]
The Lawdown Episode 45: University of Sussex fined for not upholding Freedom of Speech; Ben & Jerry’s CEO removed for promotion of political views; Citi Bank Assistant VP settles maternity discrimination claim
April 11th, 2025 by Neha Jannath
In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Wonu Sanda, Emma Bartlett, and Beth Hale discuss the following: The treatment of a professor at the University of Sussex, after she was accused of transphobia and subsequently left the University; this dispute led to the University being issued a fine of £585,000 for failing to uphold Freedom of Speech. […]
Employment Rights Bill: Key Changes to Workplace Harassment Responsibilities – Ten-Minute Talk
March 11th, 2025 by Stuart Smith
In the second of this video series focused on the Employment Rights Bill, Partner and General Counsel Beth Hale and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe discuss the key changes to workplace harassment responsibilities arising from the new Employment Rights Bill. In this Ten-Minute Talk, Beth and Mitchell discuss the following: Employer Responsibilities: An overview of the key changes that will impact employer responsibilities […]
The Lawdown Episode 43: 200 Companies adopt a permanent 4-day week; Lord Rose claims working from home is not proper work; Marcus Rashford publicly criticised by manager; and can/should lawyers compete on the BBC’s hit show “The Traitors”?
February 10th, 2025 by Stuart Smith
In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Wonu Sanda discuss the following: 200 companies implement a permanent 4-day week and Tokyo’s 4-day working week plans to increase the fertility rate. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a 4-day week without a reduction in pay, including the potential impact on […]
The Lawdown Episode 42: Unemployed may get weight-loss jabs; BBC workplace culture review; Benjamin Mendy’s claim for £11.5M in unpaid wages
December 12th, 2024 by Stuart Smith
In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The suggestion by the Government to give overweight people weight-loss jabs to help them get back to work and the potential disability discrimination issues that may arise. The BBC’s commencement of an independent workplace culture review, with particular focus on the […]
Navigating New Employer Duties: Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – Ten-Minute Talk
October 25th, 2024 by Stuart Smith
From 26 October 2024, all employers (irrespective of size) will be under a mandatory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace (the Duty under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023). Failure to do so (or a suspected breach of this duty) will entitle the Equality and Human […]
What are the Key Takeaways from the Employment Rights Bill? – Ten-Minute Talk
October 18th, 2024 by Stuart Smith
In the first of this Ten-Minute Talk Employment Rights Bill series, Partner and General Counsel Beth Hale and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe discuss the key takeaways and practical implications of the new Employment Rights Bill. On 10 October 2024, the Employment Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament. This Bill aims to introduce new workplace rights, end unfair employment practices and […]
The Lawdown Episode 41: Allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed; Huw Edwards repaying his salary; the “The Dad Shift” campaign to promote paternity leave
October 2nd, 2024 by Stuart Smith
In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The allegations of rape and sexual assault against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed. We discuss how organisations should deal with a powerful personality, as well as the extent to which due diligence on a company before it is acquired can bring to […]