Employment Law Review
Thompsons’ Employment Law Review is recognised as an authoritative source of comment and discussion from our trade union law specialists. Available to read here, and also via a weekly email bulletin, the Employment Law Review offers considerable insight into the latest issues affecting trade unions and their members.
Â
Latest Issues
Weekly Issue 880
- Government Opens Consultation on Ethnicity and Disability Pay Gap Reporting
- Brian Gourlay v West Dunbartonshire Council [2025] EAT 29
- Busways Ltd v Mr O Sener [2025] EAT 37
Weekly Issue 879
- Government Updates Employment Rights Bill Amendment Paper
- Case Summary: Roofe-Stewart v MacIntyre Care Ltd – Disability Discrimination Appeal
- Case Summary: Dr Mark Ter-Berg v Mr Parul Malde & Dr Colin Hancock – Worker Status Appeal
Weekly Issue 878
- TUC and Hope Not Hate research reports strong public support for Employment Rights Bill
- Case Study: Higgs v Farmor’s School
- Case Study: Marston (Holdings) Ltd v A Perkins [2025] EAT 20
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 866
Labour’s Proposed Employment Rights Bill: A Step Forward for Workers’ Rights
The Labour Party's recent election victory has led to the announcement of significant employment law reforms, including the Employment Rights Bill and the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, set to be introduced in October 2024, aiming to improve workers' rights in the UK.
Trade union information
Weekly Issue 866
Trade Unions and Industrial Action
Labour's 'Make Work Pay' plan, outlined in July 2024, proposes comprehensive reforms to empower trade unions, improve industrial relations, and strengthen workers' rights in the UK, including modernising trade union legislation, enhancing collective bargaining, and introducing Fair Pay Agreements.
Disciplinary and dismissal
Weekly Issue 866
Day One Right Not to Be Unfairly Dismissed
The new Employment Rights Bill offers immediate protection against unfair dismissal from day one, enhancing job security and empowering unions. Thompsons Solicitors supports employees in navigating these changes.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 866
Restrictions on Fire and Rehire
The Labour Party's Employment Rights Bill aims to restrict fire and rehire practices, enhancing worker protections and ensuring fair treatment. This legislation will impose stricter controls, mandate meaningful consultations, and provide effective remedies, safeguarding employees from unjust dismissals. Thompsons Solicitors supports these crucial changes for a fairer workplace.
Redundancy and Protective Awards
Weekly Issue 866
Thresholds for Redundancy Consultation
Labour's Employment Rights Bill expands redundancy consultation to all business sites, enhancing employee protections and union representation. Thompsons Solicitors supports these changes for a fairer workplace.
Zero hours contracts
Weekly Issue 866
Zero Hours Contracts and Predictability
Labour Party's 'Make Work Pay' plan aims to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, ensure contracts reflect regular work hours, and introduce fair scheduling practices, providing greater job security and stability for employees.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 866
Right to Request Flexible Working by Default
Labour Party's 'Make Work Pay' plan proposes making flexible working a default option from day one, enhancing work-life balance, job satisfaction, and security. The plan aims to ensure fair decision-making and support for working parents, promoting an inclusive and adaptable workplace environment
Employment rights
Weekly issue 865
Understanding the 1 July changes to TUPE for small business
Key changes to TUPE regulations effective 1 July 2024 allow direct employee consultation for small businesses, enhancing employee rights during business transfers.
Equality, discrimination and harassment
Weekly issue 865
EAT Ruling on Individual Liability in Discrimination Claims
Miss C Baldwin v Cleves School: EAT finds individual liability for disability discrimination under s.110 EqA, overturning initial tribunal decision.
Unfair dismissal
Weekly issue 865
Virgin Atlantic Redundancy Tribunal Ruling
Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd faced claims of unfair dismissal and indirect discrimination, leading to a tribunal ruling that required the disclosure of unredacted internal documents related to redundancy criteria.
Employment rights
Weekly issue 865
EAT Rules Volunteer Entitled to Worker Rights for Paid Activities
The EAT ruled that Mr. Martin Groom, a volunteer with the Coastal Rescue Service, should be considered a worker for certain paid activities, entitling him to employment rights and trade union representation, despite his volunteer status.
Employment rights
Weekly issue 864
Court ruling highlights risks of settlement agreements for union members
The importance of precise language in settlement agreements, as the Court of Session ruled that future claims, even if unknown, can be waived, and reaffirmed the exclusion of seafarers from Equality Act protections.