Caught Up in 5:

1. Civil unrest... how should employers respond? 🚨
2. World Cup sick pay set to cost employers £94 million ⚽
3. Good Jobs Bill sparks media tug of war 📰
4. Cover letters: officially dead? 💀
5. When HR fails to act, the fallout goes way beyond the lawsuit ⚠️

In other news................Whistleblowing headaches? Disclosure nightmares? join us on 8th July for the next Skill Builder for HR: Managing Protected Disclosures. Michelle McGinley of Employers Federation will offer her expertise, tips and tricks for  successfully dealing with these thorny issues.

1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Skill Builder for HR: Managing Protected Disclosures
4. Civil Unrest
5. Good Jobs Bill
6. Are you prepared for World Cup absenteeism?
7. Recruitment
8. Just in Case You Missed It...
9. HR Developments
10. Employment News in the Media
11. GB Developments
12. Free Webinars This Month

McClure v Diaceutics Plc [2026] NIIT 30955/24

Summary Description: 

An email agreement on the application of the bonus structure gave rise to an interpretation that the claimant was not entitled to a bonus for the AstraZeneca contract.

Claimant: 

Richard McClure

Respondent: 

Diaceutics Plc

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This case involved a fairly complex bonus structure within the respondent.  When it comes to any complex contractual arrangement the most important aspect is ensuring that there is absolute clarity between the employee and employer in terms of its operation.  This was attempted by the respondent with the email exchange but still led to the Tribunal action.  However, the respondent was able to firmly put focus their argument on that email exchange and agreement and ultimately led to them being successful.  Therefore, if there is a doubt in relation to some aspect of a contractual right or obligation it is best to try and deal with it locally with an agreement with the employee(s).

Read the Review in full: McClure v Diaceutics Plc [2026]

McCrudden v Brooklawn Ltd t/a Fruithill Private Nursing Home [2026] NIIT 22038/25

Summary Description: 

It was reasonably practicable for the claimant to have submitted his claim on time; the claim was submitted two days out of time but no extension of time could be allowed.

Claimant: 

Vincent McCrudden

Respondent: 

Brooklawn Ltd t/a Fruithill Private Nursing Home

Practical Guidance for Employers:

One could look at this case and say it is harsh considering that the claim was only submitted two days out of time.  However, the short period is not a relevant consideration and instead it has to be shown by the claimant that it was not reasonably practicable for him to have submitted the claim in time.  This was not possible for the claimant considering that he had been specifically advised that he had one month from the conciliation certificate and he had the advice by way of his sister, a paralegal.   Despite caring responsibilities this did not displace the fact that it was reasonably practicable to submit the claim on time.

Read the Review in full: McCrudden v Brooklawn Ltd t/a Fruithill Private Nursing Home [2026]

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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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Only 1 in 4 employees feel fully prepared to use AI

Only a quarter of employees feel fully equipped to use AI at work, according to a new workforce readiness survey. Skillsoft’s Workforce Readiness Report found that, while 86% of employees use AI at work, only 24% feel they have all the skills required to use it effectively and to drive results. Catch up with Personnel Today.

RIP Cover Letters

AI is killing one of the most annoying parts of getting hired. But how do candidates stand out now? More from Business Insider. 

Study: AI judges risk being too persuadable

Irish Legal News reports AI systems being considered for use in courts and tribunals can be significantly influenced by the quality of legal arguments put before them, according to new research from Maynooth University and University College Dublin. More here.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast with Barry Phillips 🎙️

This week's episode:

Hub subscribers are beginning to request that our Chairman, Barry covers a particular AI topic in a future podcast. If you have a request, send it to him directly at barry@legal-island.com - he’ll feel like a DJ from the 80s…...🎧

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 or Apple Podcasts

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

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Skill Builder for HR: Managing Protected Disclosures

📅NEW DATE: Wednesday, 8th July 2026 

🕒 12:30 - 14:00 (1 hour 30 mins)

📍 Live online 

Think whistleblowing is dry? Think again. This session tackles the real-world challenges HR professionals face when managing protected disclosures. It covers keeping information confidential and balancing competing interests, as well as navigating sensitive interpersonal dynamics and running investigations smoothly. Led by employment law experts Michelle McGinley, Director of Legal & Policy and Karen Moore, Senior Employment Lawyer & Head of Training of Employers Federation, this session goes beyond theory, sharing practical insights that you can apply immediately.

Legal Island Employment Law Hub Members receive two FREE Skill builder places*

*As part of their subscription - worth £270. T&Cs apply.

Find out more about all the upcoming Skill Builder for HR sessions HERE. 

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Belfast riots: guidance for Northern Ireland employers  

The anti-immigration protests and violence that erupted across Belfast following a stabbing incident on 8 June 2026 are causing many to feel appalled, frightened and vulnerable. We look at key obligations for Northern Ireland employers and provide practical guidance on how to support employees at this time. The Team at Lewis Silkin have provided some helpful guidance for employers, and it can be found on the Legal Island Employment Law Hub. 

Workplace Support for Victims of Racism - May 2025

Unfortunately, the end of the riots did not mark the end of racism in Northern Ireland.  This updated webinar guides employers on how to support victims of racism, deal with matters as they arise, and create an inclusive culture.  Tackling racism is everyone’s responsibility. Find the LRA updated guidance webinar here.

NIC-ICTU Trade Unions call for calm

“The trade union movement stands with the victim of a horrendous knife attack in north Belfast, and his neighbours who came out and defended him. We stand with the emergency services who addressed the scene and are caring for his serious injuries on hospital. We stand with the police officers who arrested the assailant and all police officers who have, in turn, faced appalling violence which has no motive beyond raw racism. We stand with all families whose property has been targeted and their safety put in danger by thugs hiding their faces behind masks and scarves. We stand with the workers and business owners forced to close their shops and services as threats were made on social media and in person…” said Gerry Murphy, ICTU Assistant General Secretary. The full statement is here.

Supporting your workforce through exceptional events

These collated resources from the CIPD can help you think through the key considerations and provide guidance on recommended actions during uncertain times.

Safeguarding Your Business During Public Events

Advice to help you better protect your employees and your business during public events. More from the PSNI.

Hate Crime Advocacy Service

Offers a safe and confidential space to support to victims of hate and signal crimes across the different protected characteristics.

What are employer obligations amidst public disorder

With public disorder across NI this week, some businesses closed early due to concerns regarding employee safety, travel disruption, and operational impacts. This article from Business First look at the employee relations implications.

Public disorder – standing advice and guidance for businesses

In cases of serious disorder or rioting, follow police advice and ensure your risk assessment for such events is enacted (and up to date, reviewed regularly) and all staff know what to do in this situation. The UK Hospitality hub provides resources (** please be aware some of these are GB-based).

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DUP blocking Good Jobs Bill, says first minister

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of "continuing to block" legislation which aims to overhaul employment laws in Northern Ireland. The Good Jobs Bill was discussed by executive ministers on Thursday, but the DUP has said it has no support among business groups and needs more consideration. The BBC has more.

But...

New employment law plans are 'half-baked' - Little-Pengelly

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has accused Sinn Féin of trying to "bully and bounce her" in to supporting the Good Jobs Bill which aims to overhaul employment laws. Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, she said the proposed legislation was "half-baked" and had no support among the business community. However, she did offer to support the bill if Sinn Féin Economy Minister Caomihe Archibald agreed to split the proposed legislation and remove the new trade union rights. You can read more on this from the BBC.

And…

Unions 'deep alarm and disappointment' at the comments made by Gavin Robinson MP and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly regarding the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill

ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said:

“The suggestion that the Good Jobs Bill should be severed before it is even able to reach the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly is not only an affront to workers across NI, it shows a blatant disregard for the democratic process itself. The provisions of this Bill, including Trade Union rights, enjoy widespread public support from voters across all political persuasions and all demographics. Seeking to gut this bill of its key provisions without presenting any evidence or reason for doing so will fundamentally undermine workers’ faith in the devolved institutions that are meant to govern in their interests…”

You can read the full ICTU statement here.

And...

Usdaw condemns the DUP’s anti-trade union stance on employment rights legislation

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: 
“We fundamentally reject the DUP position, that workers’ rights can be improved by cutting off their voice through a trade union. Under current laws, too many employers are able to frustrate trade unions in their efforts to provide fair representation for workers and give them a say in their working lives. This legislation goes some way to addressing that problem by allowing union reps to access workplaces and engage with employees.

You can read the full statement here. 

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Boomers are planning on not going to work at all. Thursday 18th June – the day after the first England group match – is the most booked day off so far for over-60s throughout the entire tournament. Surprisingly it’s also a date that doesn’t even appear in the top 10 for the rest of the workforce. Some other predictions from Bright HR:

• Employers will pay over £94 million in sick pay during the tournament. As day-one SSP is now in place, this is the first time some employers will have to pay for sickness.
  
• At least 3.6 million sick days will be taken during the tournament.

HR Director has more.

And that's not the only concern...

World Cup office sweepstakes could leave employers facing legal red cards

With the start of the World Cup, many offices will be gearing up to offer employees the chance to participate in competitions – known as sweepstakes – to place informal bets on who might win.  Sweepstakes involve participants paying a fee into a cash pot and being randomly assigned a team, with the winning team awarded the total prize fund. This seemingly low-stakes activity can cause employers to fall foul of employment law if friction arises between employees and it isn’t properly handled. This article from City AM looks at the issues of inclusion, pressure to participate and handling disputes. Read here.

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Climbing the ladder - the drive to recruit more women firefighters

Women still make up fewer than one in 10 full-time firefighters in Northern Ireland, and the service is working to change that through women-only open days. Over the past five years, the proportion of women in front-line positions has risen from 4.97% to 9.56%, and open days catered towards women could be behind the steady rise. More from BBC News.

M&S launches new traineeship for 1,000 young people

The BBC reports Marks and Spencer is launching a new training scheme for young people trying to get on the career ladder in a bid to tackle the "growing youth unemployment challenge". Aimed at 16 to 24-year olds, it will create 1,000 training places in the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months. The latest official figures show more than a million young people are Neets - the highest level in more than 12 years and equating to roughly one in eight young people. Read here.

HMRC signs £650k deal to support pre-recorded job interviews

HM Revenue and Customs has signed a six-figure technology deal to streamline high-volume recruitment, introducing pre-recorded video interviews for job applicants. The new platform will allow candidates to record responses to interview questions in their own time, helping HMRC speed up hiring campaigns and manage large volumes of applications more efficiently. More from Public Technology.

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The Employment Law Hub is a comprehensive, jurisdiction-specific resource designed for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders. It centralises essential employment law and HR updates, expertly curated and written by leading HR and legal specialists to provide reliable, practical, and authoritative insights. We have over 700+ in depth articles and 1000+ case law reviews. As a subscriber, you have access to all of this. Check it out the full Hub here and below are some recent articles you may have missed.....

How psychological safety unlocks inclusion

Trust is the new currency of our “new normal”. We must get this right to succeed. Another world is not only possible she is on her way. Paula Milligan, Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners has more here.

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When HR fails to act, the risks extend far beyond the lawsuit

A former director at Nippon Express USA has filed a lawsuit alleging that repeated harassment and discrimination complaints were not adequately addressed by HR and senior leadership. While the case remains unresolved, it underscores the importance of effective investigations, employee trust and psychological safety in maintaining a healthy workplace culture. Read more on this from HRD Connect.

Tribunal case exposes sponsor licence pay issue

As immigration and sponsorship rules tighten and pay rates determine whether workers can be employed in the UK, a recently highlighted tribunal case has cast light on whether an employer can lawfully pay a sponsored worker more than a non-sponsored worker doing the same role. Personnel Today has more on this.

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Matthew Holloway, a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency employee who conspired with two others to defraud the agency has been jailed for five years. Holloway worked at the agency and used his official access to manipulate and falsify records and vehicle documents. Joshua Sawyer and Ashley Harris passed instructions to Holloway about the documents and records they wanted him to change, and paid him for doing so. The financial loss to the DVLA totalled £117,500. Civil Service World has more.

Bloomberg reports a former audit associate sued CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, alleging his accommodation request to opt out of employer-sponsored social events to avoid triggering his anxiety was at play when the accounting firm fired him last year. Lionel Lim accused CLA of showing a “willful” and “reckless disregard” for his well-being by not exempting him from non-mandatory events like happy hours after he reported suffering from social anxiety, according to the complaint filed in the US District Court. Read here.

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

Unfair dismissals: Why 1st July is so important for GB employers

If you are following the maths you’ll realise why you need to make changes now. If the qualifying period is only six months from 1st January 2027, anyone employed on or after 1st July this year will enjoy its full protection. Indeed, anyone who started employment before this July but less than two years before 1st January 2027 will enjoy a shortening of their qualifying period. More from Business Biscuit.

More GB Employers expect Trade Unions. Almost none feel ready.

As the GB Employment Rights Act strengthens trade union rights and workplace access, many organisations are preparing for a level of union engagement they have never experienced before. New research from WorkNest shows that while more than half of employers expect trade union activity to increase, only 1% feel fully prepared. You can read more on this from HRD Connect.

Third of GB employers plan to make redundancies by early 2027, Acas survey reveals

Employers are increasingly considering workforce reductions as rising costs and economic pressures continue to weigh on businesses, a poll of 1,011 senior decision makers in the UK revealed.  A third (33 per cent) of organisations are likely to make redundancies between February 2026 and January 2027, according to a survey commissioned by public body Acas. The conciliation service found that large employers are more than twice as likely as SMEs to be planning job cuts, with 46 per cent expecting to make redundancies, compared with 21 per cent of smaller firms. People Management has more on this.

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Employment Law at 11 - Real Cases, Real Lessons

If you didn't get to join Seamus McGranaghan, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors & Christine Quinn, Legal Island last Friday as they discussed NI caselaw - shoplifters, swearing and ChatGPT, don't worry - you can catch up here.

"[T]he luminous and shocking beauty of the everyday is something I try to remain alert to, if only as an antidote to the chronic cynicism and disenchantment that seems to surround everything, these days. It tells me that, despite how debased or corrupt we are told humanity is and how degraded the world has become, it just keeps on being beautiful. It can’t help it." - Nick Cave

Enjoy your weekend!

Legal Island

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