In this week’s MMD we review new guidance on managing stress at work, whilst in the news we review two key decisions from the Tribunal on the subject of sex discrimination and unfair dismissal.

The guest article this week comes from of Complete Property Solutions team, while there is still time to register for our seminar on maternity and pregnancy discrimination.

The Media Hub

New ACAS guidance on managing stress at work

The conciliatory body ACAS has published new guidance which aims to ensure workers suffering from stress are supported by their employers. The guidance helps to identify signs of stress and discusses the different ways in which businesses can offer support.

To watch the video, please click here.

There have been lots of relevant employment law/HR updates this week.

Canary Wharf firm discriminated against a paralegal on the basis of sex

The Claimant was a paralegal and was accused of being interested in a client in a sexual way by a conveyancer at the firm. The conveyancer had suggested that the Claimant was having an intimate conversation with the client and repeatedly accused her of this when the Claimant expressed her upset. The Claimant also claimed that the conveyancer had told her she would find it easier to attract men if she did not wear her headscarf, both the Claimant and the conveyancer were practising Muslims. The tribunal commented on how ‘insulting, humiliating and offensive’ the conveyancers’ comments were to the Claimant and found that the Claimant had been harassed on the basis of her sex.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/ms-f-kaiser-v-khans-solicitors-and-mr-m-khan-3205000-slash-2021

£3m award for unfairly dismissed Isle of Man medical director

In this case, a doctor was dismissed from her role as medical director in the Isle of Man after raising several concerns. These concerns included patient safety, governance, and failures within the DHSC. Her main job had been to oversee a reorganisation of health services on the island and to provide expert medical advice and guidance on how the health system should respond to the pandemic. She had raised a specific concern as to whether the medically unqualified chief executive at the time, was passing on her advice to ministers. She was later dismissed and brought tribunal proceedings. The Tribunal held that the dismissal was unfair and the doctor had “endured a period of torrid humiliation with stoic dignity until her health suffered.” The doctor was awarded over £3 million including £40,000 each for personal injury and injury to feelings.

https://www.judgments.im/content/ET%2021-20%20Dr%20Rosalind%20Ranson%20V%20Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Social%20Care.pdf

Events and Seminars

Seminar in Conjunction with Hays Recruitment

Pregnancy and Maternity discrimination in the Workplace – 24 May 2023 –8.30am – Wakefield Office

 This seminar will be held in conjunction with Hays recruitment and will focus on maternity discrimination in the workplace. Pregnancy and Maternity is one of nine protected characteristics covered under Section 4 Equality Act 2010. Pregnancy and Maternity discrimination is prohibited under section 18 of the Equality Act 2010. In this seminar we will be paying attention to when discriminatory situations may arise and how to successfully manage these.

We will also discuss requirements in respect to KIT days and risk assessments for employees on and returning from maternity leave.

To register your interest in this event, please email employmenthub@chadlaw.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness Sessions

In partnership with Mental Health First Aid, we are providing the opportunity to attend one of the mental health training sessions listed below. The sessions are delivered by accredited MHFA England Instructor Members and will help you gain a better understanding of mental health in a range of areas.  Please find the relevant information relating to the sessions below and let us know if you wish to attend.

MHFA England Adult Courses

1. 27/28th June 2023
2. 26/27th September 2023
3. 28/29th November 2023

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace Course – For Managers (Non Accredited Course)

1. 29th September 2023

Stress and Resilience Course – Cme Accredited

1. 29th June 2023
2. 30th November 2023

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace_

Adult MHFA Two Day only flyer – instructor

 Focus On – Complete Property Solutions

This week, Andrew Dickinson from our CPS team has prepared an article on waiving the right to forfeit in a leasehold agreement. Please find this article below.

Waiving forfeiture