The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

CM Murray LLP
The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

Welcome to The Lawdown, CM Murray LLP's regular podcast bringing you the legal news highlights, particularly those relating to employment, discrimination and partnership law and the UK courts. More information on the issues discussed and knowledge on a wide range of topics can be found at our website - https://www.cm-murray.com/ or please contact info@cm-murray.com for more information or to send us a story you would like us to talk about.

  1. 1 JUL

    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

    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 ruling that nonverbal expressions of disappointment - such as sighing at colleagues - can be considered discriminatory and highlights the importance of self-awareness in the workplace. This follows a successful disability discrimination case, brought by a software engineer with ADHD, against Roke Manor Research. The case emphasises the need for all employees to be mindful of their mannerisms in the workplace and for employers to promote respectful communication, while keeping reasonable adjustments in mind in order to support neurodiverse colleagues.We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    14 min

  2. 11 APR

    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

    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. We also consider the facts of Higgs v Farmer, to give context in an employment law scenario. Ben & Jerry’s parent company, Unilever, removed CEO David Stever due to political views which Ben & Jerry’s advertise as part of their brand ethos. We discuss the impact on Freedom of Speech and the implication of protected characteristics as an employee in the UK. An Assistant Vice President of Citi Bank who sued for maternity discrimination after a promotion was given to her maternity cover, resulting in a settlement for over £200,000 in Northern Ireland. This is a common scenario seen in the employment law sphere, and an important story for employers to consider their treatment of employees on maternity leave.

    19 min

  3. 17 MAR

    Episode 44: Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment; Luis Rubiales convicted of sexual assault after 2023 Women’s World Cup win; US driven rollback on DEI

    In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Emma Bartlett, Sarah Chilton, Wonu Sanda and first-time contributor Liz Pearson discuss the following: Sam Kerr (a high profile Australian and Chelsea football player) being found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment. We dig deeper into the circumstances that led to the criminal prosecution and the context behind the headlines. We also consider whether Kerr’s actions would meet the test for harassment under employment law.Luis Rubiales (former president of the Spanish Football Federation) convicted of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We discuss the importance of recognising for the purposes of unlawful harassment in an employment context, what might be “sexual harassment” or harassment “related to sex” and  importantly what is “unwanted conduct”.The US government led rollback on diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes and the big multinational companies following suit; we interrogate the potential assumptions and drivers behind the change in approach and consider whether and how companies operating in the UK may be affected. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please do like, share and subscribe to receive the latest episodes. Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    43 min

  4. 10 FEB

    Episode 43: 200 companies adopt 4-day week; Lord Rose dismisses working from home; Rashford criticised by manager; should lawyers join BBC’s "The Traitors"?

    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 productivity and possible overworking; flexibility for caring responsibilities; and reducing personal expenditure. Lord Rose claims working from home is not proper work. We dive into whether there is any truth to this claim, the considerations for neurodiverse individuals and other diversity needs; and our views on adopting working from home, office working and the hybrid model in different circumstances. Marcus Rashford and other players publicly criticised by their managers. We consider how publicly undermining staff can impact performance and confidence, reflect poorly on a workplace’s culture and give rise to potential legal liability for employers.  Can/should lawyers compete on the BBC’s hit show “The Traitors”? We discuss whether competing would breach regulatory standards and whether lawyers would be stereotyped and “banished” early on.  All 43 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click below to listen and subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotify We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    29 min

  5. 12/12/2024

    Episode 42: Unemployed may get weight-loss jabs; BBC workplace culture review; Benjamin Mendy's claim for £11.5M in unpaid wages

    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 stated aims of the review and the effectiveness of such reviews. Benjamin Mendy’s claim against his former club, Manchester City, for £11.5 million in unpaid wages, the majority of which was upheld by the Tribunal. We discuss the reason the claim was upheld, comparison with the continued payment of Huw Edwards’ salary after his arrest, and how employers should manage a situation where an employee has been charged with a criminal offence. We have also included an “addendum” at the end of this episode, in the wake of the allegations against Gregg Wallace which broke just after we recorded this episode. We felt it would be remiss not to mention these, but stay tuned as we will discuss this story in further depth in our next episode. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    36 min

  6. 02/10/2024

    Episode 41: Allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed; Huw Edwards repaying his salary; the “The Dad Shift” campaign to promote paternity leave

    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 light historic sexual assault claims.     The latest developments in relation to former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards and the recent calls for him to return the salary he received from the BBC after his arrest.   The campaign run by a group called “The Dad Shift”, which involved statues of famous men such as Thierry Henry and Laurence Olivier having model babies in slings attached to them. The campaign brought attention to the paternity leave entitlements in the UK, which are the worst in Europe. We consider how these poor entitlements impact other areas, including the gender pay gap and societal perceptions of men and women. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    30 min

  7. 05/09/2024

    Episode 40: Jermaine Jenas’s BBC dismissal; far-right riots & considerations for employers; Starbucks CEO commute via private jet

    In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale, Senior Associate Wonu Sanda and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The dismissal of Jermaine Jenas following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which has been the latest in a string of scandals surrounding the BBC. We consider the speed with which the BBC took action to dismiss Jenas, the increase of inappropriate behaviour taking place on messaging apps and takeaways for employers.  The far-right riots which took place across parts of England and Northern Ireland in August. We discuss what employers can do to support employees in this situation, and how to approach a situation where an employee is involved or suspected of being involved in riots or other antisocial behaviour outside the workplace.  The newly appointed Starbucks CEO has made headlines after it was revealed that he will commute from his home to the office via a private jet. We discuss the reputational issues for Starbucks, as well as wider considerations around hybrid working patterns. We also consider the “right to switch off”, which the UK government is planning to introduce, and potential challenges to its implementation. All 40 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click below to listen and subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotify

    36 min

  8. 26/07/2024

    Episode 39: Southgate, Gething and US President Biden’s Departures; Strictly Come Dancing Abuse Allegations; Apple Employee Unfairly Dismissed After Taking Pictures of a Female Colleague

    In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partner Beth Hale, Senior Associate Wonu Sanda and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The departures of Gareth Southgate as manager of the England men’s national football team, Vaughan Gething as Welsh first minister and President Joe Biden dropping out of the US presidential race. We explore how to determine the right time to leave a role. We discuss key considerations, including reputational issues, bonuses and post-termination restrictive covenants. BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is in the headlines after allegations of abusive behaviour towards two of its previous contestants, Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott. We discuss how the allegations came to light, the role of bystander reporting in investigations and how employees and employers should respond to allegations of misconduct in the workplace. An Apple employee has been found to have been unfairly dismissed after he shared photos of a female colleague in a WhatsApp group. We consider the increasing openness of employers to engage in tribunal litigation in favour of settling, particularly in cases of sexual misconduct. We also discuss the importance for employers of updating their policies to account for new forms of technology and communication platforms. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

    26 min
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About

Welcome to The Lawdown, CM Murray LLP's regular podcast bringing you the legal news highlights, particularly those relating to employment, discrimination and partnership law and the UK courts. More information on the issues discussed and knowledge on a wide range of topics can be found at our website - https://www.cm-murray.com/ or please contact info@cm-murray.com for more information or to send us a story you would like us to talk about.

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