DMH Stallard Employment Law Updates

DMH Stallard LLP

Our podcast channel brings you the latest Employment Law updates which includes recent case law, legislative changes and general discussions on hot topics for business owners and HR managers to consider.

  1. Aug 18

    Guidance for employers on interim relief applications

    The issue of interim relief applications is becoming increasingly relevant for employers. Interim Relief is an emergency remedy available to claimants dismissed in connection with trade union activities or raising a protected disclosure, and the last few months have seen a staggering increase in these applications — rising from around 20 per year to a similar number each month. Many of these applications appear to have been prepared using generative AI, prompting the President of the Employment Tribunals to issue Presidential Guidance reminding litigants that submissions must be "concise, relevant and accurate." While employers cannot prevent an interim relief application from landing on their desk, the consequences of one being granted are severe — potentially requiring continuation of a former employee's full salary for up to two years until a final hearing. That does not mean the situation is unmanageable, but it is very important that employers maintain thorough documentation, draft comprehensive dismissal letters, and keep investigations into conduct clearly separable from any whistleblowing complaints, so that they are well-placed to defend these applications at short notice. Hosted by Employment Partner Rebecca Thornley-Gibson, with Employment Solicitor Lydia Goodman also joining the discussion to share their insights on what interim relief is, why applications are surging, and how employers can mitigate their risks through proper procedures and preparation.

  2. Jun 10

    Risks and rewards of using WhatsApp in the workplace - should employers be worried?

    WhatsApp’s journey from a personal messaging app to an everyday workplace tool has been rapid, with billions of users globally. Its appeal is obvious: quick, intuitive communication that mirrors the pace and informality of face‑to‑face interactions. Those same features, however, pose significant risk if they are poorly managed. In this podcast, our experts look at things from an employment perspective, and how the use of WhatsApp feature prominently in disciplinary matters, grievances, Tribunal litigation and data subject access requests. The informality invites off‑the‑cuff comments, jokes and opinions that can land badly and, potentially, fuel allegations of bullying or harassment.  Even if messages are sent on personal devices to work-related group chats, employers may be found liable where conduct is linked to the workplace. Employers should also be mindful of data security; messaging platforms can be a vector for accidental disclosure of client or sensitive personal data, risking reputational damage and possibly regulatory sanctions. The challenge, therefore, is not whether to use messaging at all, but how to govern it. Hosted by Employment and Immigration Partner Adam Williams, with Employment Partner Hollie Ryan and Dispute Resolution Partner Nicola Billen joining the discussion to share their expertise and tips on how employers can reduce the risk of permitting the use of WhatsApp in the workplace.

About

Our podcast channel brings you the latest Employment Law updates which includes recent case law, legislative changes and general discussions on hot topics for business owners and HR managers to consider.

You Might Also Like