5 Must-Knows This Week:

1. GB Employment Bill passes final hurdle 👩‍⚖️
2. Season’s Grievances 🎄
3. ‘Flu-nami’ threatens business continuity: here’s how to prepare 🤒
4. The 10 strangest employment tribunal cases of 2025 ⚖️
5. ECNI settles sexual harassment case against JD Sports💰

In other news................ to prep you for those festive holiday quizzes, here's a helping hand with the top questions for UK Alexa users in 2025: 1. “What does AI mean?” (Artificial Intelligence) 2. “How long to poach an egg?” (about 3–4 minutes) and 3. “What’s the diameter of Earth?” (roughly 12,742 km)

1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Sexual harassment case settled against JD Sports Fashion PLC
4. Economy & Statistics
5. Absence and wellbeing
6. GB Employment Rights Bill
7. Season’s Grievances
8. Jaguar Land Rover hackers stole payroll data
9. 10 strangest employment tribunals of 2025
10. Just in Case You Missed It...
11. HR Developments
12. Health & Safety Developments
13. Employment News in the Media
14. GB Developments
15. Free Webinars This Month

Truesdale v Education Authority [2025]

Summary Description: 
Claims dismissed when the claimant could not demonstrate evidence of less favourable treatment to shift the burden to the respondent.

Claimant: 
Sharon Anne Truesdale

Respondent: 
Education Authority

Practical Guidance for Employers:
This case demonstrates the importance of having an evidenced based approach to issues that may arise within the workplace especially when it comes to making reasonable adjustments.  The reliance upon the specialist report from occupational health when it came to the continuation of work in October 2022 was something which the Tribunal recognised as being the appropriate decision.  Additionally, the fact that the respondent had outlined options in terms of space but bearing in mind that space was at a premium on the campus was sufficient to ensuring that there was no discrimination.

Read the Review in full: Truesdale v Education Authority [2025]

McKinley v Almac Group [2025] 

Summary Description: 
Discrimination claim was brought out of time and it would be prejudicial to the respondent to extend time.

Claimant: 
Betty Liz Makena McKinley

Respondent: 
Almac Group

Practical Guidance for Employers:
Another time limits case before the Tribunal. In this case the claimant had an operation, and complications did not mean that time could just be extended.  The Tribunal looks beyond that into what the claimant was aware of and should have been able to do.  As the claimant was able to seek some advice on the matter, able to secure employment and be involved in a Dignity at Work investigation it demonstrated how she should have been able to lodge her claim on time.

Read the Review in full: McKinley v Almac Group [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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AI employment law firm negotiates £30k settlement for client

The employment law service powered entirely by artificial intelligence (AI) and launched three months ago has negotiated a £30,000 settlement for a user. Grapple Law took 15% of the unnamed healthcare worker’s compensation for its support. Founder Alex Monaco described it as “the first time in the UK – and potentially worldwide – that an AI has negotiated a settlement on behalf of an individual”. Legal Futures has more.

What are the risks for an organisation that depends too much on AI agents?

AI has its uses, but are individuals and their companies expecting too much from a non-sentient digital tool? As AI becomes more engrained in our workplaces, it is important to note that there are a whole range of ways in which employees and leaders can become too dependent on advanced technologies and the potential consequences of doing so. As we move into the new year and prepare to embrace the next 12 months of innovation, now is a good time to refresh ourselves on the potential dangers so that you can confidently engage with workplace AI in 2026. Read more.

Teenagers are preparing for the jobs of 25 years ago – and schools are missing the AI revolution

The government has recently released its national youth strategy, which promises better career advice for young people in England. It’s sorely needed: for teenagers today, the future of work probably feels more like a moving target than a destination. Barely three years after ChatGPT went mainstream, the labour market has already shifted under young people’s feet. The Conversation has more.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast with Barry Phillips 🎙️

This week's episode:

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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A student who worked as a sales assistant has settled her sexual harassment case against her former employer JD Sports Fashion PLC for £65,000. The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Jayla Boyd worked part-time in a Belfast store while studying for her A-Levels. During a shift, Ms Boyd was slapped on the bottom by a male supervisor. 
She reported the incident to her manager that day and was told that CCTV had captured the incident. However, the supervisor was allowed to continue to work alongside her for the rest of the shift. She says he approached her twice during that time to talk to her and apologised for what he had done, explaining that it was “muscle memory”. Despite raising a complaint of sexual harassment, Ms Boyd claims that while she made a written statement, she was not interviewed formally about her experience. She says she felt upset and distressed that her employer failed to offer her support after the incident, so she used some annual leave to take time away from her job. Read the full story, direct from the ECNI here. 

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More than 1000 stress related Tribunals in last year

Research from TWM Solicitors has found there were 1,185 Employment Tribunal cases relating to stress in the workplace in the last year. Analysis of 9,850 Employment Tribunal cases that reached a final judgment last year shows that stress was a contributing factor in approximately 12 per cent of cases. Many of these cases involve former employees claiming unfair dismissal where stress was cited, and stress commonly causes poor performance at work. Many stress-related cases are also disability discrimination claims, in which the employee alleges they have been discriminated against by their employer. More from the Global Recruiter.

Labour Market Statistics December 2025

The labour market statistics were published by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency. These include:
Earnings data from HMRC PAYE indicated that NI employees had a median monthly pay of £2,406 in November 2025
The proportion of people aged 16 to 64 in work (the employment rate) decreased by 1.1pps over the quarter and decreased by 1.6pps over the year to 70.7%.
NISRA received confirmation that 70 redundancies occurred in November 2025. Over the year, December 2024 to November 2025, 2,290 redundancies were confirmed, which was over thirty-five percent higher than the figure for the previous year. You can find out more here. 

UK economy losing £26bn a year to youth unemployment, PwC research finds

The big four accounting firm’s annual Youth Employment Index found that the UK could gain economically if all regions matched Northern Ireland’s low rate of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET). Nearly one in eight 16 to 24 year olds in the UK are currently NEET, the highest level in a decade. This is compared with just 9 per cent in Northern Ireland. More from People Management.

Pre-Budget fears put brakes on Christmas hiring

November saw job postings decline by 11.2% from the previous month, with a figure of 1,460,051. However, recruitment analysts said that, overall, the job market remained resilient, reports Personnel Today.

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NHS bracing for worst ever winter crisis in next fortnight amid rising flu cases

The NHS is bracing for its worst ever winter crisis in the next fortnight because of a worsening “flu-nami” that has left hospitals, GP surgeries and ambulances services under intense strain. The Guardian has more on this story:

And closer to home…

Northern Ireland flu cases and hospitalisation update from Public Health Agency

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has given an update on Northern Ireland flu cases and hospitalisation. The latest respiratory report shows flu activity has increased across all groups and settings that are monitored. Confirmed cases have increased from 988 to 1,227 while hospital admissions went from 264 to 346. Belfast Live has more.

‘Unprecedented’ flu wave poses threat to business continuity

The number of people in hospital with flu jumped by 55% over the past week, triggering concerns at businesses over staff welfare, how to monitor absences and whether key deadlines could still be achieved. Personnel Today has more on this:

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

GB’s Employment Rights Bill: where has it landed?

The Employment Rights Bill has finished its parliamentary journey and will soon become the Employment Rights Act. Here’s Lewis Silkin’s take on where the key topics have landed and what it means for employers. Lewis Silkin has more.

And the TUC's reaction…...

TUC hails “historic day” for working people as Employment Rights Bill passes Lords

The TUC has hailed an “historic day” for working people as the government’s flagship workers’ rights Bill has finally broken its House of Lords deadlock after months of wrangling in parliament. The legislation will introduce long overdue changes like a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, day one sick pay and better protection from harassment - among a range of other measures. Read the TUC's view.

And the CIPD.........

CIPD: Employment Rights Bill and Make Work Pay plan

The UK Government's plan to Make Work Pay changes multiple aspects of employment law; changing the two-year qualifying period to claim unfair dismissal to six months, is just one example. A commitment to deliver most of these proposals are laid out in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB). If the bill receives Royal Assent before the end of the year it will become the Employment Rights Act 2025. There are still areas of the bill that need further clarity and consultation (such as new rights for zero-hours and low-hours workers, and proposals on trade union access and recognition), and some of the measures will require secondary legislation before coming into force. You can read more.

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Santas facing ‘humbug’ pay shocker this year

If having to deal with beard tugging, rude children, entitled parents, enforced jollity and hours of Noddy Holder weren’t bad enough, pay rates for being Father Christmas will be – bah humbug – unchanged this year, research has suggested. With pay rates and the jobs market generally either subdued or stagnant, an analysis by IDR has concluded that the average pay for working as a Father Christmas will be around £15 an hour this festive season. Personnel Today has more on this story.

Secret Santa and harassment: when banter backfires

Ah, December! The season of goodwill, Secret Santa, and questionable gift choices. Nothing says festive cheer like a mug that reveals male anatomy when filled with hot water, right? Well, as one recent Employment Tribunal case Cochrane v Neerock Ltd t/a Woodheads shows, what starts as ‘banter’ can quickly turn into a legal headache. Irwin Mitchell LLP outline how to stay on Santa’s nice list in this article for Lexology.

Happy Holidays, but less than half of employees feel they can switch off

A poll on behalf of Dayforce found that 96% of UK employees plan to take time off over the holidays, but true disconnection remains elusive, with less than half of employees (47%) saying they will unplug completely. HR Director has more here.

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Payroll data was among the information stolen by hackers who attacked Jaguar Land Rover, it has been revealed. The car manufacturer was forced to shut down its systems on 31 August to limit potential damage from a cyber attack, and employees were sent home for a number of weeks. Catch up.

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The headlines around some tribunal cases have the power to stop you in your tracks and make you wonder if the world has gone barmy. But often these cases cast light on everyday workplace moments for many people – and the events that led to them can have serious consequences. From misjudged jokes and wind-ups to outright sexism, here are 10 of the strangest-sounding employment tribunal cases from 2025. Personnel Today has the full story.

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After the Merger: A Case Study in Conflict and Mediation

This final article in Juris Mediation's mediation series brings everything together through a realistic workplace scenario many organisations will recognise. Using a case study, it shows how conflict can escalate after change and why timely, effective mediation is more vital than ever in today’s working world. Catch up here.

HR Interview Series: Anne Phillipson, MD, Phillipson Performance Partners

Anne talks about the importance of learning and shares an anecdote about an eventful trip to Dublin that demonstrates determination. You can catch up here.

Q&A

In this month's Q&A, Madison Bowyer from Arthur Cox LLP looks at the issue of safe leave in Northern Ireland and provides guidance on parental leave:

• When will employees in NI gain a statutory right to paid “safe leave” for victims of domestic abuse?
• Does parental leave carry over in the same manner as annual leave if an employee is unable to take it due to being on maternity leave?

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How to negotiate benefits and pay in a unionised environment

Trade union disputes are a common occurrence in the media these days, with the rights of trade unions, their representatives and members set to be strengthened by reforms set out within the Employment Rights Bill. It would, therefore, be wise for both employers and employees to ensure they are fully aware of their rights and what they are required to do in a unionised workplace environment and this article from Employee Benefits provides guidance.

Behind every change plan is a human – it pays to prioritise mental health

There’s a misconception that resistance to change is a mindset problem, so employers often write it off as a behavioural or cultural challenge. But if they dig deeper, they’ll almost always find the same thing – resistance is unaddressed fear. When staff feel informed, respected and supported, they’re more likely to be engaged and open to change, explains Joseph Conway in this article from People Management.

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Is OSH equipped for a multigenerational workforce?

The modern workplace contains a greater mix of demographic groups than ever before. This article explores the question posed by IOSH’s research into the future of work: what if key industries are not equipped to meet the needs of all generations? IOSH magazine has more.

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The BBC reports Education Minister Paul Givan has said he can spend extra money to give teachers a pay deal in 2025/26. That means he will be able to make a pay offer to teachers in early 2026, although it is not clear what that offer will be.

Courier and taxi company Addison Lee will have to pay significant legal costs to drivers after its ‘unreasonable conduct’ during an employment tribunal. In January, hundreds of drivers won a tribunal case ruling that they are workers rather than self-employed contractors, and therefore entitled to rights such as the minimum wage and holiday pay. Read more.

The NHS has been ordered to pay nearly £450,000 in compensation to a professor who sued for discrimination after a colleague accused him of 'playing the race card'. Professor Tanweer Ahmed took the health service to an employment tribunal after he was sacked over 'laughable' bullying allegations. The Daily Mail has the story.

A former Mothercare technical manager who was replaced by a male consultant while on maternity leave has been awarded more than £67,000 after an employment tribunal found she was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against. While Osborn was absent, the company’s new chief product officer, Karen Tyler, initiated a reorganisation of the technical department and decided to bring in a consultant, Chris Beeley, to perform her core duties. Less than a month after returning to work, Osborn was told her role was at risk of redundancy. People Management has more on this.

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

GB employers must ‘follow the rules’ when EHRC code is released, says chair

Businesses will need to ‘follow the rules’ on single-sex spaces when guidance is finally released, according to new Equality and Human Rights Commission chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson. Dr Stephenson began her role at the equality watchdog on 1 December and will oversee the publication of long-awaited guidance following April’s Supreme Court decision that legally a woman should be defined by biological sex. More.

Police officers launch judicial review over union ban

Two serving police officers have launched judicial review proceedings in the High Court, challenging a century-old legal provision that bars police officers from joining or forming a trade union. They will argue that the current law is incompatible with Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to freedom of association, which includes the right to form or join a trade union. The Police Act was passed in 1919 in the wake of police strikes following the First World War. The officers will argue that this restriction is no longer justifiable in modern society. 
Personnel Today has more on this.

Voluntary exits: Around 5,000 officials to leave across government

Around 5,000 officials are expected to leave the civil service under voluntary exit schemes that are currently under way, Cat Little has said. The Cabinet Office permanent secretary and civil service chief operating officer told MPs today that 36 voluntary exit schemes are currently taking place. More from Civil Service World.

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MCS Lunch & Learn: Level Up Your Recruitment Strategy for 2026

Tuesday 20th of January 2026
12 noon – 12:45 p.m.
Online

Think you’ve seen it all in recruitment? Think again. Join us for a free 45-minute lunchtime webinar on 20th of January 2026, hosted by Legal Island in partnership with MCS Group, and get the inside scoop on what’s really shaping hiring and how to hit the ground running in 2026.

What to expect:

• Understand how last year’s shifts in HR roles, sector trends and candidate expectations are shaping recruitment in 2026
• Explore how candidates and employers are using AI from CV optimisation to predictive hiring and what it means for your strategy
• Practical tips to reduce costs, streamline workflows and make automation work with your people, not against them

Stay ahead of salary trends, new role types and sector specific insights that will define the year ahead!
Julie will host a live Q and A with recruitment experts Rebekah Mulligan, Senior Recruitment Consultant - HR – MCS UK & Ireland and Associate Recruitment Consultant Tara Duffy, so you leave with answers, ideas and a sharper 2026 hiring toolkit.

Sign up for your free place here.

Have a lovely Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Legal Island

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