News and Articles

The importance of procedure – don’t get caught out!

29 May 2019 A recent Decision of the Industrial Tribunal in Belfast serves as a useful reminder to employers about the procedures that should be followed when dismissing, or taking disciplinary action against, an employee. In the... READ

GDPR Compliance Programmes – 12 months down the track, time to consider a review

The GDPR became effective in all EU member states and in the European Economic Area (EEA) jurisdictions on 25 May 2018, introducing a new harmonised data protection compliance regime. A company’s failure to comply... READ

New legislation could outlaw gagging orders

08 May 2019 New proposals have been unveiled by the government which aim to prevent employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to conceal complaints of bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace. Non-disclosure agreements, or ‘gagging orders’... READ

Case of teacher gives guidance on suspending staff

08 April 2019 The question whether an employer should suspend an employee can unfortunately arise in any workplace, whether it is a small business, charity or public sector organisation. In a recent case heard in England –... READ

No aggravated damages for unfairly & discriminatorily dismissed claimant, says tribunal

04 April 2017 In the case of Maria McKeith v The Committee for the time being of Ardoyne Association, Ms McKeith was dismissed by her employer on 27th March 2015 on the grounds of redundancy, unlawfully, the... READ

Primary school unlawfully discriminates against young school girl as a result of her disability (ASD).

20 March 2017 Worthingtons Solicitors were instructed on behalf of a young primary school child, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and who is the subject of a Statement of Special Educational Needs. The... READ

Court of Appeal uphold Sainsbury’s dismissal for gross negligence

14 February 2017 Maxine Orr, Partner, considers a recent Court of Appeal Case whereby an employee lost his appeal in relation to a claim of wrongful dismissal on the grounds that his contract of employment was breached... READ

Avoid legal headaches by understanding migraine

06 September 2016 It will likely be an issue for employers when ‘migraine’ is the reason for employee absence and whether this means the affected employee meets the statutory definition of a disabled person. Avoid legal headaches... READ

Tribunal failed to give man with Asperger’s fair hearing says court

17 August 2016 In the a recent Court of Appeal Decision in Northern Ireland of Galo (Patrick) v Bombardier Aerospace UK 2016 NICA 25, the Industrial Tribunal was held not to provide, the appellant, Mr Galo... READ

Guidance for Tribunals dealing with Claimants suffering from mental impairments and disabilities

07 July 2016 The Court of Appeal has just given judgement in the case of Galo (Patrick) v Bombardier Aerospace UK 2016 NICA 25, holding that the Industrial Tribunal did not provide a fair hearing to a... READ