Top 5 for Busy People: 

1. Can you really share your political beliefs at work? HR experts reveal the risks after a wave of firings over the Charlie Kirk backlash 🔥
2. Just 46% of young people feel ready for the world of work - is the system failing them? 🎓
3. Why nurses in Northern Ireland are gearing up for strike action this winter 💉
4. The biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation edges closer in GB - here’s what it means ⚖️
5. Time to check your pension scheme more often? Employers are being urged to act 💷

In other news................Stay ahead of risk and build a genuinely inclusive workplace. Master your legal duties around reasonable adjustments in NI with clear, practical guidance this October in our event in association with Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP.

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1. Annual Review Session of the Week - Employment Law at 11(ish) LIVE!
2. Case Law Reviews
3. AI and Employment Law
4. Failure to investigate issues not raised in internal disciplinary proceedings did not make dismissals unfair
5. Why nurses in Northern Ireland are threatening to strike this winter explained
6. GB’s biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation comes one step closer
7. Pension Awareness Week 2025
8. Lessons from Sinclair v Burrell: When confidential documents land on your doorstep
9. Labour Market Statistics - September 2025
10. Just in Case You Missed It...
11. HR Developments
12. Employment News in the Media
13. GB Developments
14. Free Webinars This Month

Sure, every good podcast does a live tour - and Employment Law at 11 is no different!

Join webinar regulars Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Legal Island’s very own Christine Quinn live and in-person for one morning only.

The chat you know and love, but this time it’s off mute, on the ground, and happening right here, at Annual Review!

It’s almost here! Legal Island’s Annual Review of Employment Law, our flagship event of the year takes place on 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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Szucs v Greensquareaccord Ltd [2025] EAT 110

Summary Description: 

Claimant should have sought an amendment application to his first claim rather than issuing separate proceedings relating to a slightly separate element against the same respondent.

Claimant: 

Andras Szucs

Respondent: 

Greensquareaccord Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

A fairly procedural case but can be useful especially when there are instances in which multiple claims may arise from a claimant against an employer.  The EAT is making it clear here that where that does arise, and there are ongoing related proceedings against the respondent, then the expectation is that an application to amend is brought rather than issuing separate proceedings.  This makes sense from the point of efficiency but also ensuring the proper administration of justice in the context of a large number of claims before the Tribunal.

Read the Review in full: Szucs v Greensquareaccord Ltd [2025]

Equity v Talent Systems Europe Ltd (t/a Spotlight) [2025] EWHC 2254

Summary Description: 

The defendant, which ran a directory for performers, was not an agency as it was a marketing tool rather than acting as an agent to find those performers for an employer.

Claimant: 

 Equity

Respondent: 

Talent Systems Europe Ltd (t/a Spotlight)

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This case relates to an area that has not been explored all that much within the cases – i.e. what is the definition of an employment agency.  The legislation provides the bare bones and the decision here has provided some flesh to that in looking at the extent to which the organisation actually finds the employment, assists the individual in finding that employment with particular services, and whether they manage the money as part of the arrangement.  This was not the case, so no agency was found but this decision may be useful for organisations which are sitting in that intermediate space between individuals carrying out the work and employers and what their categorisation is.

Read the Review in full: Equity v Talent Systems Europe Ltd (t/a Spotlight) [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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What is the government’s AI action plan?

People Management outlines what the strategy means for employers and how HR can get ahead. More here.

AI Fluency as an essential element towards a smarter workforce

How can leaders guide their teams to not just use AI, but to think with AI? HRD Connect has more.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast – with Barry Phillips

"AI as a recruitment tool – is it really as useful as we are led to believe?"

This week Barry Phillips considers whether or not employers are really winning the battle to recruit more efficiently using AI.

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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In this case, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) upheld an employment tribunal’s decision that the dismissal of two prison officers for gross misconduct was fair. The employer's failure to investigate matters not raised during internal disciplinary proceedings did not make its decision to dismiss unreasonable. DAC Beachcroft provides insights for employers here.

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Northern Ireland is facing a potential winter of discontent as nurses here could be back on the picket line within weeks without the implementation of a long-awaited pay deal. The Health Minister has warned that nurses are set to take strike action by November if a £200 million funding gap is not bridged to meet a recommended pay increase. More from Belfast Live.

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Workers across GB will come one step closer to the biggest single upgrade of employment rights in a generation as the Employment Rights Bill returned to the House of Commons. Fifteen million people, half of all workers, are set to benefit from the Bill, which will establish day one rights to parental and bereavement leave, include sick pay for up to 1.3 million of the lowest earners, and end unscrupulous fire and rehire practices.  You can read the government’s full press release here.

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Employers must review their pension schemes more frequently

Less than half of employers have reviewed their workplace pension scheme within the last 12 months to check that it offers value for money in terms of charges, default investment, proposition, and service. And a concerning 10% have never reviewed their workplace pension scheme. You can read more on this from HR Director here.

UK workers fear retirement shortfall and seek government action

Research conducted amongst 2,000 UK employees reveals that just 21% are very confident that their pension pot will sustain them in retirement. One third (35%) fear their pensions savings will offer inadequate support and just 3% believe the State pension will be a sufficient source of income. Despite this, data, published by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, also shows 13% of employees - equivalent to almost 4.5 million people in the UK* - are not currently saving into a pension, or don't intend to do so. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has more on this story.

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The recent High Court decision in Sinclair Pharmaceuticals Ltd v Burrell offers valuable insights into situations in which confidential information arrives unexpectedly during contentious proceedings. Mishcon de Reya provides guidance here.

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The latest labour market statistics were published by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency

• The number of employees receiving pay through HMRC PAYE in NI in August 2025 was 810,100, a decrease of 0.1% over the month and an increase 0.4% over the year.
  
• NI employees had a median monthly pay of £2,371 in August 2025, unchanged over the month and an increase of £67 (2.9%) over the year.

You can read the full details here.

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Home Office Revokes Record Number of Sponsor Licences Amid Immigration Crackdown

The UK Home Office has revoked nearly 2,000 sponsor licences in the year to June 2025, marking a dramatic escalation in enforcement against employers found to be abusing the immigration system. This figure—1,948 licences—represents more than double the 937 revoked in the previous 12-month period, signalling a robust shift in compliance activity.
Nick Bennett, Associate Solicitor at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, has more.

Skills-Based Hiring & AI: The Future of HR Strategy

The labour market is undergoing profound transformation. Global skills shortages, rapid digitalisation, and shifting employee expectations are all challenging the traditional recruitment model. According to the World Economic Forum, 44 per cent of workers’ skills will be disrupted within the next five years. For HR professionals, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity: to move away from rigid qualifications-based hiring and embrace a skills-first approach that prioritises capabilities over career pedigree. Ryan Calvert of MCS Recruitment has more.

Employment Law at 11 Case Law Special: Why Clear Contracts Matter

Vague, contradictory, or poorly drafted contracts can cost employers dearly, and Northern Ireland tribunals are making that crystal clear.

Employment Law at 11 regulars Christine Quinn of Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors are joined this month by special guest Jason Elliott BL for a focused session unpacking recent decisions that show exactly how unclear wording can backfire. Catch up here.

🎙️ Listen to Employment Law at 11 – Anytime, Anywhere!

Whether you’re commuting, working out, or on the go, you can tune in to the latest discussions on employment and workplace matters.

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

Just search “Employment Law at 11” and join the conversation.

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Only 46% of young people feel prepared for work

The latest Youth Employment UK: 2025 Youth Voice Census with 8278 respondents provided the following insights:

• 74% of young people value work experience but only 26% had work experience in the past 12 months.
• The biggest challenge to employment is lack of work experience according to 47% of young people.

The full report is here.

Different ways of communicating is a multigenerational workforce challenge

Despite efforts to improve intergenerational working, including flexible working (50%), social activities (43%), training (40%), and a quarter of employers adopting age-related strategies, generational challenges persist. Over a third of Gen Z label their own generation as “lazy,” and half say they are “entitled,” views echoed by nearly half of employers. HR Director has more.

The power of psychological safety in uncertain times

Do you feel safe to speak up at work? Can you ask questions, raise concerns, and offer new ideas without hesitation?  If not, you’re not alone, and your organisation could be missing out.  In today’s unpredictable and fast changing world, having a culture where people feel safe to speak openly is a valuable asset. The Training Journal has more on this.

HR experts reveal if it is ever safe to share your political beliefs in the workplace... after spate of firings over Charlie Kirk backlash

There are many things to navigate in the world of work, and the minefield of politics is just another - particularly during the interview stage. After dozens of people claim to have been fired or suspended after commenting on Charlie Kirk's death, navigating the murky waters of politics in the workplace is becoming increasingly difficult. The slew of firings begs the question: is it ever appropriate to discuss politics in the workplace? Well, now human resource professionals have shared their opinions in this article for the Daily Mail. Read here.

Employee satisfaction is intricately entwined with the physical workspace

Mitie’s Productivity Reset Report reveals employees don’t feel recreational activities and games rooms contribute meaningfully to workplace satisfaction Research highlights how neglected workspaces fuel job dissatisfaction as employees call for better designed offices The majority prefer purpose-built workspaces which support their performance with almost nine in ten (88%) stating a well-maintained office is key to satisfaction. More from HR Director.

Amid hiring freezes, HR leaders turn to internal mobility and upskilling

Facing lower turnover and hiring freezes, HR pros are prioritising internal mobility and skills-based shifts in their organisations. You can read more from HR Dive here.

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Workers throughout the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) supply chain are being told to apply for universal credit following the cyber attack on the company, a union has said. Unite said staff were being laid off with "reduced or zero pay" following the hack, which has forced the carmaker to shut down its IT networks and halt production. The BBC has more.

A top director at St James Quarter who accused the shopping centre's property managers of covering up "serious" safety concerns and "fraud" has had his case dismissed, a tribunal decided. John Watt attempted to sue Savills Management Resources for unfair dismissal and public interest disclosure at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal. You can read more on this from Edinburgh Live.

Sky is planning to cut 600 UK jobs as it looks to focus on its streaming services. The media organisation has launched a consultation on proposed changes, which affect 900 roles. Since 2023, Sky has cut almost 3,000 roles including engineers installing satellite dishes and earlier this year it announced the closure of three call centres, slashing 2,000 jobs, reports the BBC.

Some Belfast Trust staff are "not fully engaging" with a review into the city's long-delayed maternity hospital, Stormont's health minister has said. The project on the Royal Victoria site has cost £97m so far and is already a decade behind schedule after a series of setbacks reports the BBC. Read here.

People who celebrate the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk should be held accountable, US Vice-President JD Vance has said. Pilots, medical professionals, teachers and one Secret Service employee are among those who have been suspended or sacked for social media posts that were deemed inappropriate about Kirk's death. Critics have argued the firings threaten free speech and employee protections, although US companies have wide latitude to terminate employees. More from the BBC.

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Government under fire over delay of better-paid paternity leave

MPs have warned the government that its review of parental leave in GB must address the existing system’s ‘fundamental failings’, after it failed to commit to better-paid paternity leave during this parliament. The Women and Equalities Committee said the review of the UK’s “broken” parental leave system was a “watershed moment,” and that tinkering around the edges “will let down” families. Personnel Today as the full story.

Upcoming new laws on the enforceability of NDAs

GB NDA law is changing in 2025, with new bans on confidentiality clauses in higher education, protections for victims of crime and potential reforms on workplace harassment. HR Director outlines how businesses must update NDAs, plus key lessons from recent tribunal and health & safety cases.  Access the article here.

GB employers named for failing to report gender pay gap

Organisations behind the estate agent Purplebricks and the fashion retailer Jigsaw are among those named by the GB Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for failing to report their gender pay gap this year. You can read more from Employee Benefits.

Day one rights to make 86% more cautious about hiring

Nearly nine out of 10 employers (86%) say that the prospect of being taken to the employment tribunal for dismissals during probationary periods under ‘day-one’ unfair dismissal rights will make them more cautious about hiring, reports Personnel Today.

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Employment Law at 11

📅 Friday 3rd October 2025

🕒 11am to 11.45am

📍 Live online | Free to attend

Register here. 

Join Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Christine Quinn, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island for the next in the monthly webinar series, Employment Law at 11.

Tell your HR colleagues and register individually or get your HR team around the computer and use the webinars as monthly group learning opportunities. Ask any questions (on employment law) and hear the answers live or catch up later when we upload both a recording and transcript of the discussion. Or catch up on Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music while you're on the go!

NOTE: – Send your questions in advance to gosia@legal-island.com. Anonymity assured.

Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.

🎙️ Listen to Employment Law at 11 – Anytime, Anywhere!

Whether you’re commuting, working out, or on the go, you can tune in to the latest discussions on employment and workplace matters.

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

Just search “Employment Law at 11” and join the conversation.

Enjoy your weekend!

Legal Island

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