Workplace practices that result in employees being treated less favourably because of their age may be justified if they are a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. However, as an important Employment Tribunal (ET) case showed, establishing such a justification is always an uphill struggle. Continue reading →

Workplace disciplinary investigations may not have to attain the high standards of a judge and jury, but the scale of resources available to a big employer is relevant to the question of fairness. An Employment Tribunal (ET) made that point in upholding an unfair dismissal claim brought by a supermarket cashier who was accused of being rude to a customer. Continue reading →

Trade unions may feel strongly that their members’ rights are being trampled on. However, they need to ensure that they are following the law, or they will face costly consequences. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) discovered that when it was fined a six-figure sum for inducing or supporting industrial action in breach of a High Court injunction. Continue reading →

Discrimination in the workplace takes many and varied forms. If you feel that you are a victim, you should seek legal advice without delay. Recently, a Sikh catering worker was turned down for an agency job because of his beard. After court proceedings, he won more than £7,000 in compensation. Continue reading →

The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief. It is one of the nine protected characteristics listed in Section 4 of the Act. However, a belief must meet the definition of a philosophical belief in order to qualify for protection. An Employment Tribunal (ET) has ruled that ethical veganism passes the test used in such cases. Continue reading →