Weekly Issue 481

Rio games advice

With the Olympic Games 2016 about to start in Brazil, Acas has launched guidance advising employers to draw up agreements with their staff covering issues such as requests for time off, sickness absence and website use during working hours.

Immigration status

Although immigration status is a function of nationality and nationality is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act, it is not unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of their immigration status, according to the decision of the Supreme Court in Taiwo v Olaigbe and Onu v Akwiwu.

Indefinite stay

Although tribunals have the power to stay proceedings indefinitely, the Court of Appeal held in Asda Stores Ltd v Brierley and ors that they could not strike out claims and transfer them to the High Court just because it might be the more appropriate forum.