5 Must-Knows This Week:

1. How to Conduct an AI Audit (Without Overcomplicating It) 🤖
2. What’s coming next for NI employment law? ⚖️
3. Hiring Christmas temps? Five legal risks retailers can’t ignore 🎄
4. Tribunal rise shows employers need more neurodiversity understanding 🔍
5. Stress Awareness Week 2025 — time to tackle work-related strain 🧠

In other news................We’re excited to announce the return of our HR Network! Our upcoming HR Network Lunch at Cafe Parisien, Belfast on Wednesday 3rd December (12:30–2:00pm) is already filling up. Join peers, the Legal Island Knowledge Team and Legal Island MD Jayne Gallagher for good food, great conversation, and a DEI chat with expert Jude Copeland. A few limited places remain, so if you’d like to attend this FREE networking get-together, please contact kerry@legal-island.com directly. RSVP by 5pm on Wednesday 12th November.

**Please note that a small number of people are experiencing some issues with our website, which may have impacted your view of the Friday Round-Up. If this is the case, please hold down Ctrl, Shift and the 'R' key. Hopefully this resolves any technical issues and you can view the full Friday-Round-Up. We apologise for any inconvenience in this regard.**

1. Annual Review Session of the Week - What's Next for NI Employment Law
2. Case Law Reviews
3. AI and Employment Law
4. Data Protection
5. Recruiting temporary workers for Christmas: Five legal risks for retailers
6. DEI
7. FTSE 100 firms failing to report on workforce data effectively, warns CIPD
8. Just in Case You Missed It...
9. HR Developments
10. Health & Safety Developments
11. Employment News in the Media
12. GB Developments
13. Free Webinars This Month

What’s Next for NI Employment Law?

Join Ciara Fulton, Partner at Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP, as she looks ahead to key developments expected in 2026 — and outlines what you can do now to stay compliant, cut risk, and seize new opportunities.

Ciara will cover:

• The Good Jobs Way Forward response and likely timeline
  
• Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
  
• Domestic Abuse Safe Leave
  
• Upcoming SSP changes
  
• The Gender Pay Gap consultation response
  
• The landmark Dillon Supreme Court case and its potential to reshape NI employment law

Stay informed. Stay ahead.

6 days to go - the countdown is on! 
Legal Island’s Annual Review of Employment Law, our flagship event of the year takes place next Thursday, 13th November, live at the Crowne Plaza Belfast (and online for those who prefer to tune in from afar).

This is the go-to event for HR professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve, get practical insights from leading experts, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of work.

Each week between now and the big day, we’ll shine a spotlight on the must-see sessions in this year’s packed programme.

Don’t miss out.  Check out the full line-up and secure your spot today. More details here.

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Huntley v Siemens Healthcare Ltd [2025] EAT 152

Summary Description: 

Appeal against a costs award dismissed as the assessment of no reasonable prospect of success can come throughout the period of the claim rather than solely being at the outset of the claim.

Claimant: 

W Huntley

Respondent: 

Siemens Healthcare Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This case on seeking costs is useful in the tactics that may accompany Tribunal action.  The EAT makes it clear that there is nothing within the construction of the Tribunal rules which mandates that the assessment for no reasonable prospect of success must be carried out at the outset of the litigation when it comes to retrieving costs.  Instead, it can be looked at through the proceedings where costs are being retrieved.  Additionally, the fact that no strike out was sought is a consideration but is not determinative of a later costs application.

Read the Review in full: Huntley v Siemens Healthcare Ltd [2025]

McNaughton Blair Ltd & Others v Edgar [2025] NIKB 60

Summary Description: 

Defamation claim successful at a summary point when a former employee posted up social media comments which were not truthful in relation to a former employer.

Plaintiffs: 

McNaughton Blair Ltd
Steven Whyte
Andrew McCarron
Ashleigh Morgan

Defendant: 

Catherine Edgar

Practical Guidance for Employers:

An interesting case relating to non-employment claims but arising out of an employment dispute.   It is important to note that being disgruntled with your employer and being annoyed with the outcome of the Tribunal is not sufficient ground to make public statements which are regarded as being dishonest, incorrect and not in the public interest.  The High Court demonstrates here how the summary procedure can be adopted to quicken the process and lead to a quicker result rather than a full hearing on the matter where the is no defence which has a reasonable prospect of success.

Read the Review in full: MacNaughton Blair Ltd & Others v Edgar [2025]

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These case reviews were written by Jason Elliott BL.  NI Tribunal decisions are available on the OITFET website.

If you have any queries or wish to comment on the reports please feel free to contact Jason at: jasondelliott@outlook.com 

Jason Elliott was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2013 and is the Associate Head of School of Law at Ulster University. As a practising barrister, he has developed a largely civil practice representing individuals, companies and public bodies in litigation.  This covers a wide range of areas including personal injuries, wills and employment law. In terms of employment law, he has represented both applicants and respondents in the Industrial Tribunal.   At Ulster University, Jason lectures extensively on the civil areas of practise such as Equity and Trusts and delivers employment law lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Remember: Our case law reviews are held in our case law section on our fully-searchable employment law hub website.

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How to Conduct an AI Audit (Without Overcomplicating It)

New rules like the EU AI Act mean every company now needs to understand where and how AI is being used across their business. The challenge? AI Tools are prolific, easily accessible and often being used outside of business policy. In short, most organisations don’t actually know. An EU AI audit is simply a structured way to find out. Read more from Antony Roberts, Full Fathom Five Founder.

Rethinking workplace design in the age of hybrid work

In a recent AI-powered workplace experiment, employees’ reactions to classic artworks in the office were tracked. The findings were hard to ignore. Van Gogh’s Starry Night increased productivity by 38% and creative thinking by 30%. Monet’s Bouquet of Sunflowers improved focus by 27% and Kandinsky’s Blue Rider boosted creative thinking by 18%. These tangible performance gains align with wider sentiment we’re seeing in the workforce. Nearly half (46%) of UK workers believe attractive workplaces give businesses a competitive edge, while 77% of companies agree that beautiful, stimulating spaces help people perform better. HR Director has more on this.

What new civil service guidance on AI for job applicants tells us about shifts in recruitment

New guidance has been published on acceptable – and unacceptable – ways artificial intelligence can be used to support applications for civil service jobs. It positively encourages candidates to get AI help for some parts of the process, but sets clear red lines about areas where ChatGPT and other large language model-assistance should be shunned. Earlier this year, research from insurance group Hiscox found 53% of job candidates had used AI tools to help write their CVs over the past 12 months. Public Technology has more.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast with Barry Phillips 🎙️

This week's episode: A Report on the AI Reports for this year (Part 1)

You can tune into the latest episode right here - or, if you’re on the move, why not take us with you?

Listen on all major platforms: 🎧 Spotify🎧 Amazon Music 🎧 Apple Podcasts

Simply search for “AI for HR Weekly Podcast” and enjoy expert insights anytime, anywhere.

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Data Use and Access Act: Lack of training leaves employers at risk

Research has revealed that most employers are unprepared for the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA), with widespread uncertainty and a critical lack of training, leaving companies exposed to compliance breaches. A survey found only 1.6% of organisations said they are fully ready for the new law, which replaces parts of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). More than three-quarters (77%) admitted they are either not prepared, unsure, or only beginning preparations. 
More from Personnel Today. 

 And…

PSNI data breach test cases being heard

Northern Ireland’s High Court began hearing six test cases relating to a major PSNI data breach. An unprecedented PSNI data breach in August 2023 saw the names, roles and other personal details of all serving police officers and civilian staff inadvertently published on its website. A group action is being pursued by thousands of police officers and staff impacted by the breach and you can find out more from Irish Legal News.

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The Christmas rush often requires fast-paced hiring of temporary staff, but recruiting these workers can give rise to legal risk. Retailers should focus on five key areas when managing seasonal recruitment to avoid these pitfalls, according to this article from Browne Jacobson.

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Tribunal rise shows employers need more neurodiversity understanding

The number of employment tribunal cases involving neurodiversity in the UK has surged from 102 to 183 in the past year, according to new research. The findings, from specialist employment law firm Fox & Partners, come as the UK marks 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) received Royal Assent on 8 November 1995, and prompted a partner at the law firm to say: “Too many employers are still reacting to problems rather than planning ahead.” More from Personnel Today.

Support for staff with learning disabilities often ‘ignored’

Two-thirds of employees with learning disabilities have not been asked about what they need to succeed at work, according to hospitality chain Hilton. Its survey of 2,000 people, including 500 with learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder, found that 49% of those with learning disabilities felt they did not have the right support. Personnel Today has more on this.

Treasury urged to make childcare more affordable for working families

Stormont's finance minister has called on the Treasury to make childcare more affordable for working families in the Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already said that she is considering tax rises and spending cuts in the Budget, on 26 November. John O'Dowd wants the tax-free childcare support rate to rise from 20% to 30% and for the annual cap of £2,000 per child to be reviewed, the BBC reports.

UK firms ‘influenced’ by Trump attack on DEI, claims study

According to research by law firm Freeths, over half of UK businesses (54%) have changed the way they approach ethical policies and practices over the past year. More than a quarter (28%) of UK firms have made wholesale changes to EDI schemes or abandoned them altogether. Personnel Today has more on this story.

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Inconsistent and incomplete workforce disclosures are hindering investors’ ability to assess people-related risks and opportunities, according to analysis of FTSE 100 annual reports by the CIPD and Railpen. Of the UK’s largest blue-chip firms, 38 per cent reported staff turnover rates –  a key measure of workforce stability – while just one company provided data on recruitment costs. More from People Management.

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Balancing Innovation and Fairness in AI Recruitment: How do I Handle it?

We are considering incorporating the use of Artificial Intelligence into our internal recruitment processes. What is HR’s role in making sure applicants and employees are treated fairly and lawfully? Emma Doherty of Tughans gives here take.

Q&A: How can employers deal with personality clashes within the business?

Employers must manage personality clashes carefully, using mediation or adjustments before dismissal. Only serious, irremediable conflicts disrupting business may justify SOSR dismissal. Madison Bowyer of Arthur Cox sets out her advice on this sticky topic.

“I is for Induction:” Why First Impressions Matter

When a new employee joins an organisation, the induction process is far more than a brief tour and sign up to policies. A well designed induction sets the tone for the individual’s employment with the Company. Get it wrong, and you risk early disengagement, wasted investment and higher turnover. Get it right, and you accelerate productivity, build stronger culture and enhance retention. Read more from Charlotte Eakin, HR Consultant, AAB.

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What are ‘office frogs’? 

A new buzzword is hopping through HR and corporate circles: the ‘office frog’. The term has been coined to describe younger employees – particularly those of Gen Z – who move frequently from one job to another, leaping from role to role as a frog might from lily pad to lily pad. For employers already grappling with skills shortages, retention pressures and rising expectations on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, this trend is more than a curiosity. Irish News has more.

Putting teamwork front and centre: A guide for HR and L&D leaders

This article from the Training Journal explores how HR and L&D professionals can create high-performing teams using proven models, practical strategies, and the human skills that bring them to life. This guide blends research, emotional intelligence, and real-world tools to build team cultures of trust, growth, and sustained collaboration.

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Stress Awareness Week 2025: Time to act on work-related stress

Work-related stress remains one of the biggest causes of ill health in the workplace. As Stress Awareness Week 2025 begins, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding employers that preventing work-related stress is a legal duty – not just a nice-to-have.  Here’s what employers can do.

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The Department for the Economy published the findings of the Northern Ireland Employer Skills Survey 2024, which examines the skills challenges faced by businesses. Find out more.

An employment tribunal has ordered a former HMRC worker to pay £20,000 after losing a case he brought when he refused to return to the office after the Covid-19 lockdown. More.

A former South London doctor has been jailed for three years after pleading guilty to defrauding the NHS out of more than £268,000 by working for extra hospital trusts for extra pay while claiming he was too sick to do his actual job. Richard Akinrolabu was caught after working on-call and night shifts at three additional trusts. My London has more on this.

The Honourable Mr Justice Ritchie decides that a US retail giant’s attempt to enforce a 12-month non-compete clause against its former UK employee went “further than is reasonably necessary to protect the Claimant’s legitimate business interests and is unenforceable.” More from Law News.

Financial Times owner Nikkei announced hackers had infiltrated its networks via an employee’s Slack account, exposing sensitive information about business partners and the Slack chat histories of over 17,000 individuals. Nikkei Inc., Japan's largest financial news outlet and one of the world's leading digital media houses. It appears the hackers used the employee’s Slack credentials as a gateway to gain unauthorized access to employee accounts – potentially leaking the chat histories of a whopping 17,368 individuals registered on the business messaging platform. More from Cyber News.

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NB: Please note these articles relate to GB and do not apply in Northern Ireland, unless otherwise stated.

Early conciliation period to double from 1 December

The window for entering early conciliation with Acas will be doubled from six to 12 weeks from next month. The Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 have been published in draft form and are due to come into force on 1 December. Many employers have reported that, due to pressure on conciliators, they are being met with longer waiting times for Acas to initiate contact between the parties, or certificates being issued after no or minimal conciliation. Personnel Today has more on this.

Britain sliding 'into economic crisis' over £85bn sickness bill, ex-John Lewis boss warns

The number of sick and disabled people out of work is putting the UK at risk of an "economic inactivity crisis" that threatens the country's prosperity, according to a new report. There were 800,000 more people out of work now than in 2019 due to health conditions, costing employers £85bn a year, according to the review by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield. More from the BBC.

TUC: Disabled unemployment highest since before the pandemic 

The TUC believes the Mayfield Review could be a potential step in the right direction. This Government-sponsored review into support for disabled people to start and stay in work is an opportunity to learn from failed approaches of the past, and the TUC has set out a five-point plan to better support disabled people into work and to ensure they are retained. Read here.

GB Trade union reforms: what HR needs to know

The GB employment rights bill is set to introduce sweeping reforms to GB trade union law, to be implemented in various stages until October 2026. The reforms seek to introduce new trade union rights and reverse the changes to rights that the Conservative government implemented. These reforms give scope for trade unions to have a much greater presence and influence in workplaces and you can find out more in this article from People Management.

Code update aims to speed up GB public appointments

Public bodies in GB should find it “quicker and more efficient” to recruit board members following the biggest changes to the Governance Code on Public Appointments in almost a decade, the Cabinet Office has said.  Reforms introduced in the latest version of the code aim to close “bureaucratic delays” that have slowed the process for organisations such as Ofcom, National Highways and the Civil Aviation Authority to recruit top talent. Civil Service World has more on this story.

You can find the Code here.

Umbrella firms face new rules under Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to transform how umbrella companies are regulated by catching them within an extended definition of an “employment business” currently reserved for traditional recruitment agencies. This change will require umbrella companies to comply with the same regulations that govern agencies, in a move intended to curb non-compliance, protect workers’ rights, and ensure fair competition in the temporary labour market. Shoosmiths has more on this.

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Employment Law at 11 is taking a break in November and December, but will be LIVE and in-person at the Annual Review of Employment Law on 13th November 2025. Join Christine and Seamus in-person at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, or from the comfort of your own home or office - the joys of a hybrid event! More details HERE.

Enjoy your weekend (and see you at Annual Review on Thursday!)

Legal Island

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