An action packed MMD this week. We are delighted to be joined on the Podcast by our very own Leanne Franks who shares her insight on the world of Corporate and Commercial Law.  Daniel has prepared a video update on affirmation in constructive dismissal claims.

We include our holiday pay update leaflet for the final time and from next week we are excited to share some further seminar details.

THE MMD PODCAST

Episode 14 – The Corporate Chronicles

Sam and Nils are joined this week by guest, Leanne Franks, Partner and Head of Chadwick Lawrence’s Corporate and Commercial Team.

Leanne provides a detailed overview of the work her Team does and exciting deals they have been involved in.

Meanwhile, Sam and Nils discuss the importance of social media protocols for employers and employees.

https://spoti.fi/49bjd8P

Ask the experts

If you have any questions that you would like answering on the podcast, please email mmd@chadlaw.co.uk

THE MEDIA HUB

Missed the boat?

 This video discusses the principle of affirmation in constructive dismissal claims – the requirement that an employee acts promptly following a breach of the employment contract. In a recent case before the Employment Appeals Tribunal, guidance was given on factors to take into account in determining whether an employee has affirmed a breach by delaying in taking action.

Click here.

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

Gender-critical social worker wins harassment claim

The claimant worked for the Council as a social worker. Social Work England received complaints about the Claimant after she shared and liked posts on Facebook, such as a link to a petition that male athletes should not compete in female sports. She shared a link to a petition that women have the right to maintain sex-based protections as set out in the Equality Act, including female-only spaces such as changing rooms and hospital wards. She had also forwarded a post from Fair Play for Women, an organisation that campaigns for sex-based rights, linking to a Private Eye satire stating: “Boys that identify as girls go to Girl Guides. Girls that identify as boys go to Boy Scouts. Men that identify as paedophile go to either.” Social Work England placed Meade under a ‘Fitness to Practise’ investigation, which resulted in suspension and a final written warning. The council started its own disciplinary investigation, warning her that she could be dismissed for misconduct. However, by the time her case was heard, she had been suspended for a year. The tribunal found that the way in which the disciplinary process was drawn out had constituted harassment towards the claimant. The tribunal panel also held that her Facebook posts and other communications “fell within her protected rights for freedom of thought and freedom to manifest her beliefs as protected under Articles 9 and 10 [of the Human Rights Act]”. It also criticised Social Work England’s failure to check the complainant’s social media history and whether his complaint could have been malicious.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/ms-r-meade-v-westminster-city-council-and-social-work-england-2200179-slash-2022-and-2211483-slash-2022

UPCOMING CHANGES TO HOLIDAY PAY

There are a number of new laws coming into effect on the topic of holiday pay. These changes will apply to leave years starting on or after 1 April 2024 and, for workplaces that run their leave years from 1 January, these changes will come into effect on 1 January 2025. Abigail Capstick in our Employment Department has put together a newsletter on the changes to come into effect.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the employment team.

Holiday Reform

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have lots of exciting events coming up which we would love for you to be a part of.

To register your interest in any event, please email seminars@chadlaw.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!

JOIN US FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SESSIONS

Through our relationship with Tailored Learning Solutions who provide mental health first aid courses in our business, we are now able to announce that we are running multiple courses at our Wakefield office including the following:

Mental Health First Aid (2 day course)

• 24/25th April
• 26/27th June
• 25/26th Sept

Mental Health First Aid – Refresher (1/2 day workshop)

• 24th September

Suicide First Aid – LITE (1/2 day workshop)

• 25th June

Suicide First Aid – Understanding Suicide Intervention (1 day workshop)

• 25th November

Mental Health for Managers Workshop (1 day workshop)

• 26th April
• 14th October

The details of these sessions can be found at the Tailored Learning Solutions website: https://www.tailoredlearningsolutions.co.uk/book-online?category=all-services

If you would like further information and details of the cost for these events, please email carolgledhill@chadlaw.co.uk