🥶 As the frost bites and the layers pile on, warm up with this week’s Employment Law updates—it’s the legal equivalent of a cosy cup of tea on a chilly day! ☕
This Week’s Top 5 - Essential Reads, if you’re short on time:
💼 The highest-paid jobs in Northern Ireland—who’s topping the charts?
💥 Strikes in Northern Ireland: The big ones to watch in 2025.
📈 FTSE 100 bosses—by noon on Monday, they’ve already earned your yearly salary.
⚡ The rise of PIPs: What it means for your workforce.
⚖ A historic milestone: Solicitors forging stronger north-south ties.
And in other news…If you’ve visited our website this week, you’ve had a sneak peek at the exciting transformations underway! And trust us, there’s even more to come—stay tuned! Make sure to reset your password HERE to gain access!
Stay informed (and maybe grab another cup of tea to thaw out!) 🚀
CONTENTS
1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Wages
4. Northern Ireland strikes we know about so far in 2025
5. Historic moment as solicitors strengthen north-south ties
6. Harassment
7. Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2025: Getting it Right for You
8. Just in Case You Missed It...
9. HR Developments
10. Employment News in the Media
11. GB Developments
12. Friends of Legal Island
13. Free Webinars This Month
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1. Case Law Reviews
Noade v Northern Health and Social Care Trust [2024] NIIT Case No: 24594/19
Summary Description:
Disability discrimination found when absence management process used and reason for referral to occupational health despite the disability of the claimant and how he had suffered an assault at work.
Claimant: Christopher Noade
Respondent: Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Keywords: Disability Discrimination
Practical Guidance for Employers:
The use of attendance management when it comes to an employee who is recognised as disabled and the attendance issues are caused by the disability has once again arisen. As has been seen in various cases it is best to have those absences discounted. This was not the only issue but also the comments relating to the claimant and how it related to his mental health were such that it did lead to harassment within the workplace.
Read the Review in full:
https://legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/noade-v-northern-health-and-social-care-trust-2024
McCrea v Corrigans Vehicle Rentals Ltd [2024] NIIT 12264/23IT
Summary Description:
Unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claim dismissed. On the evidence, the impairment did not constitute a disability within the meaning of the 1995 Act.
Claimant: Rebecca McCrea
Respondent: Corrigans Vehicle Rentals Ltd
Keywords: Unfair Dismissal; Disability Discrimination
Practical Guidance for Employers:
This case demonstrates that the onus is on the claimant to demonstrate they are disabled within the meaning of the 1995 Act. The Tribunal was very clear in recognising that the claimant did have a diagnosis and did not seek to make any broader judgment on the claimant. However, it had to make a decision on the basis of the evidence adduced. The lack of evidence about the finer details of the effect and whether it was an adverse effect on day-to-day activities was the reason for the decision. This should be taken into account for those going to the Tribunal and seeking to show that they are disabled within the meaning of the Act.
Read the Review in full:
https://legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/mccrea-v-corrigans-vehicle-rentals-ltd-2024
These case reviews were written by Jason Elliott BL. NI Tribunal decisions are available on the OITFET website:
http://www.employmenttribunalsni.co.uk/
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:
https://www.legal-island.com/employment-law-hub/case-law-search-page/
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2. AI and Employment Law
EU AI Act: What HR needs to know
The EU AI Act is due to come into force in February, and will impact any company that develops or deploys large language model tools, including UK employers. This article from Personnel Today looks at what employers need to know:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/eu-ai-act-what-hr-needs-to-know/
Surge in AI skills interest to continue in 2025
AI skills will drive the most significant shifts in learning and development next year, according to a technology trends report from O’Reilly. The learning platform for tech professionals analysed data from 2024 to predict how L&D teams might need to prepare for skills needs next year, and found that usage increased dramatically in AI-related areas such as prompt engineering (up 465%); AI principles (up 386%), and generative AI (up 289%). Personnel Today has more here:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/ai-skills-interest-to-continue-in-2025/
Coursera’s fourth annual Job Skills Report
AI and cybersecurity emerge as fastest growing job skills in 2024, but ‘human’ skills also surge
Findings from Coursera’s fourth annual Job Skills Report, drawing on insights from over five million learners, include:
While AI skills surge globally, only 28% of courses were taken by women overall in 2024, creating an urgent need to address gendered disparities within the AI workforce
Six of the ten fastest-growing tech skills this year are related to cybersecurity and risk management, amid a 71% YOY rise in cyber attacks
Key human skills are also among the fastest-growing, as learners seek to build a balanced skills profile. Assertiveness and Communication were among the top 10 skills in 2024
You can read the full article from HRD Connect here:
https://www.hrdconnect.com/2024/12/13/ai-and-cybersecurity-emerge-as-fastest-growing-job-skills-in-2024-but-human-skills-also-surge/
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3. Wages
Highest-paid jobs in Northern Ireland revealed and those most in-demand in 2024
New research from recruitment platform NIjobs has nurses have taken the top spot as the most in-demand profession for 2024, a new entry that replaces Accounts Assistant, which held the number one position in 2023. Quantity Surveyors were the second most sought-after profession. IT continues to lead in salary rankings with an average offering of £50.9k per year. Construction takes second place in salary rankings with an average wage of £45.5k, followed closely by Engineering with £41.5k; Health creeps into fourth spot with an average salary of £39.7k, and Finance places fifth at £38.9k.More here from Belfast Live:
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/highest-paid-jobs-northern-ireland-30723319?int_source=nba
Firms to raise prices amid tax and wage 'pressures'
More than half of companies are planning to raise prices in the next three months as they face a "pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes", according to one of the UK's largest business groups. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said its survey of more than 4,800 firms suggested confidence had "slumped", falling to its lowest level for two years, reports the BBC:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j10420e2jo
FTSE 100 bosses made more money in 2025 by noon on Monday than average worker in a year
The chief executives of FTSE 100 companies will have made more money in 2025 by midday on Monday than their average worker does in a whole year, according to the latest measure of inequality between bosses and their employees. Median pay for FTSE 100 chief executives is £4.22m, 113 times the median full-time worker’s pay of £37,430, according to the High Pay Centre, a campaign group. That means UK bosses will exceed their workers’ annual pay within 29 hours – or at about 11:30am on Monday, if they started work straight after the new year holiday, reports the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/06/ftse-100-bosses-more-pay-by-noon-today-than-average-worker-in-a-year
10 tips to help employees take control of their finances in 2025
This is a good time for people to reset their finances and goals for the year ahead. To help with this, this article from HR Director’s has created some top tips to share with employees to allow them to take control of their finances in 2025:
https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/financial/10-tips-help-employees-take-control-finances-2025/
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4. Northern Ireland strikes we know about so far in 2025
Many criminal trials have ground to halt as barristers begin a month-long case boycott while teachers are due to take part in industrial action over pay. More from Belfast Live:
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-strikes-know-far-30720209
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5. Historic moment as solicitors strengthen north-south ties
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is now formally represented within the Law Society of Ireland for the first time in its century-long history. Since 1921, five seats have been reserved on the Council of the Law Society of Ireland for representatives from its northern counterpart — but have never been filled. That changed in mid-December when Darren Toombs, senior vice president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, formally took up one of those seats for the first time. More here from Irish Legal News:
https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/historic-moment-as-solicitors-strengthen-north-south-ties
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6. Harassment
Ministers launch Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have announced the launch of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Local Change Fund. As part of a wider £3.2 million investment, this first step will see £2 million shared across all 11 councils to enable them to support EVAWG action in their local areas. The Local Change Fund will support community networks and provide opportunities for grassroots organisations to play their part in tackling violence, harm and abuse against women and girls:
https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/news/ministers-launch-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls-local-change-fund
McDonald's workers make fresh harassment claims
McDonald's workers have said they are still facing sexual abuse and harassment, a year after the boss promised to clean up behaviour at the fast-food chain. Since the BBC's original investigation into the company, the UK equality watchdog has heard 300 reported incidents of harassment. It now plans to intervene again reports the BBC:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c75ngl49695o
EHRC publishes further guidance on preventing sexual harassment at work: checklist and action plan
Newly released guidance includes a checklist, action plan and monitoring log, which are designed to complement existing HR policies aimed at preventing sexual harassment. Although the checklist was originally designed for employers in the hospitality sector and includes references to “shifts”, the EHRC has stated that it can be adapted to suit other sectors and workplaces:
https://www.ukemploymenthub.com/ehrc-publishes-further-guidance-on-preventing-sexual-harassment-at-work-checklist-and-action-plan/#page=1
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7. Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2025: Getting it Right for You
Led by the Department for the Economy, the week-long programme of apprenticeship events runs from 3-7 February 2025. NI Apprenticeship Week seeks to raise the profile of apprenticeships and promote participation in apprenticeship provision across all levels and vocations. This year the theme of NI Apprenticeship Week is ‘Getting it Right for You’, to highlight that apprenticeship opportunities are varied, flexible and meet the needs of many different people as well as many sectors of our economy:
https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/northern-ireland-apprenticeship-week-2025-getting-it-right-you
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8. Just in Case You Missed It...
Exciting updates are on the horizon! We’re hard at work behind the scenes curating fresh, engaging content that’s tailored just for you. From insightful articles to innovative tools and resources, our Hub is about to get a whole lot better. Keep an eye out—new content is coming your way soon!
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9. HR Developments
4 areas CHROs must consider for HR transformation
A successful HR transformation must consider changes in four areas: world-class leadership, a modern HR operating model, future-proofed HR team competencies and HR technology enablement. HR Dive looks at where HR can influence change:
https://www.hrdive.com/news/hr-transformation/735984/
Rise of the Pips is a reminder to employees that no one is irreplaceable
There’s been a significant rise in Pips, and even though it’s the “most hated” way to fire an employee it’s still the most popular one. Are Pips successful? Not really, according to a number of studies. They’re of more use to the employer as a way to make sure they’ve got the right documentation necessary so that they can legally terminate an employee. More here from the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/05/performance-improvement-plan-employees#:~:text=Rise%20of%20the%20Pips%20is,that%20no%20one%20is%20irreplaceable
Why you should treat workplace friendships like your diet – aim for balance and variety
Surveys have shown around three in ten employees have a close friend at work. Researchers argue these relationships can be as important to our personal and professional lives as a nutritious diet is to physical health. However, like many relationships, workplace friendships are challenging to navigate. So, how can we maintain meaningful friendships with work colleagues over time? The Conversation provides guidance here:
https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-treat-workplace-friendships-like-your-diet-aim-for-balance-and-variety-243706
Tackling mental health with a ‘culture-first’ strategy
How can HR leaders reduce absenteeism and the substantial costs associated with employees’ mental health struggles? More than 60% of UK employees are experiencing at least one characteristic of burnout, with some battling serious mental health issues. And the cost to UK employers alone is now estimated at £51 billion per year, according to figures from Deloitte and this article from Personnel Today looks at how workplace culture can make a difference:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/tackling-mental-health-with-a-culture-first-strategy/
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10. Employment News in the Media
A Scottish NHS nurse, suspended for complaining about a trans doctor she worked with, Beth Upton, has won the right to have her hearing held in public. Sandie Peggie objected to Dr Beth Upton using the women’s changing rooms at the A&E at Victoria Hospital. After the two “exchanged words”, Peggie was placed on “special leave” without an investigation and subsequently suspended from January 2024 until April. She is now taking NHS Fife and Dr Upton to an employment tribunal, claiming she was harassed – rather than the other way round. NHS Fife and Dr Upton requested that the case be heard in private, however that move was opposed by Peggie, and has now been rejected by Judge Antoine Tinnio, who ordered that the tribunal be held in public. Pink News has more here:
https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/01/08/dr-beth-upton-sandra-peggie/
Giving a work colleague an 'air kiss' is not sexual harassment, an employment judge has ruled. The social gesture - where someone pretends to kiss another person without touching them with their lips - cannot be regarded as 'unwanted conduct of a sexual nature', Judge Tom Perry concluded. The ruling came in the case of hospitality worker Jing Jing Chen, who sued her former whisky bar employers after her manager Paul de Newtown hugged her and 'gave' her an air kiss reports the Daily Mail:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14262227/colleague-air-kiss-not-sexual-harassment.html
A judge has ruled that a Scottish footballer was victimised by his former club following an investigation into alleged racism. Rico Quitongo took Airdrieonians to an employment tribunal claiming he was treated unfairly after he complained about an alleged racist comment made by a fan during a match. Another employment tribunal will be held to determine if Mr Quitongo was racially harassed when it was suggested he was "seeking publicity" by complaining about the alleged racist comment made by the fan. More from the BBC:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdd610vz20eo
A paralegal who alleged discrimination due to her pregnancy and claimed she was unfairly dismissed has failed with employment tribunal claims against a law firm after a judge found she had resigned. The Law Gazette has more:
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/employment-tribunal-dismisses-paralegals-claims-in-flexible-working-dispute/5121918.article
A HMRC worker who branded her female boss 'sexist' when she said in a meeting that she wanted a granddaughter so she could buy 'pink dresses' has lost a discrimination claim, an employment tribunal heard. Rachel Gladstone demanded that team leader Sandra Edwards apologise, asking that she 'keep the overt spoilt pink baby girl princess sexism for your private and family life'. The Daily Mail has more on this:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14246981/HMRC-worker-branded-female-boss-sexist-loses-unfair-dismissal-claim.html
A cleaner who tried to “extort” a luxury London hotel chain out of £19,000 has been revealed as a serial abuser of the UK’s employment laws. Martin Kumi worked just four shifts as a Night House Steward on cleaning duties at the 5* Londoner hotel in Leicester Square before he was dismissed. He then mounted an employment tribunal claim against Edwardian Pastoria Hotels Ltd, alleging racial and disability discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal. But the case was thrown out by a judge, who laid bare how Kumi has a history of “weaponsing” the tribunal system in repeated attempts to get money from employers. More from the Standard:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/cleaner-luxury-hotel-london-nandos-employment-tribunal-abuse-b1202006.html
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11. GB Developments
Employment law is a devolved power in Northern Ireland. The items in this section apply throughout GB only (Scotland and England & Wales) unless we specify they apply to NI.
MP puts forward ‘Safe Leave’ Bill for GB domestic abuse victims
An MP plans to introduce a Bill this week that would give victims of domestic abuse access to paid time off work so they could stay safe. Labour MP for Gloucester Alex McIntyre tabled the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 7 January. His Private Member’s Bill proposed the right to 10 days’ paid “safe leave”, although this would be subject to consultation. More from Personnel Today:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/safe-leave-bill/
GB Fair Work Agency: what do employers need to know?
The Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill creates a new state enforcement agency for specific employment rights, which is likely to be called the Fair Work Agency (FWA). The FWA will combine the current enforcement roles of three separate bodies: HMRC’s national minimum wage (NMW) enforcement team (in relation to the NMW); the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority – in relation to modern slavery; and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (in relation to agency workers). People Management has more on this:
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1901069/fair-work-agency-employers-need-know
How to assess quantum for injury to feelings in GB
In the finding of Shakil v Samons Limited [2024] EAT 192, the EAT found that the ET had erred in its assessment of injury to feelings. HHJ Tayler provides a summary of how injury to feelings awards should be approached. The key authority when it comes to assessing injury to feelings is Vento v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police [2002] EWCA Civ 1871, [2002] I.C.R. 318. Awards for injury to feelings will usually fall within one of three bands, often referred to as the ‘Vento bands’. Read more from 3PB Barristers here:
https://www.3pb.co.uk/content/uploads/How-to-assess-quantum-for-Injury-to-Feelings-by-Emma-Greening.pdf
The GB Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) publishes further guidance on preventing sexual harassment at work: checklist and action plan
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has recently published further guidance to assist employers in complying with the new duty to prevent sexual harassment. This duty mandates employers to proactively take “reasonable steps” to prevent the sexual harassment of employees.
The newly released guidance includes a checklist, action plan and monitoring log, which are designed to complement existing HR policies aimed at preventing sexual harassment. More detail here:
https://www.ukemploymenthub.com/ehrc-publishes-further-guidance-on-preventing-sexual-harassment-at-work-checklist-and-action-plan/#page=1
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12. Friends of Legal Island
LRA Corporate Plan 2025-2029 - Draft for Consultation – have your say!
The Corporate Plan for 2025-2029 looks at the importance of people and prosperity as Programme for Government themes through the lens of the Good Jobs Agenda and the development of a Good Work Charter. The Agency will also play a part in the Department for the Economy’s three-year Business Plan. The LRA are currently inviting responses to the consultation on their draft Corporate Plan via a short survey:
https://www.lra.org.uk/publications/corporate-plan-2025-2029-draft-consultation
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13. Free Webinars This Month
New Year, New Gear? Aiming for HR Excellence with ChatGPT or Copilot in 2025? Which is better and why?
14th January 2025 (11am-11.40am)
Selecting the right GenAI tool could be your organisation’s most important decision for 2025. In this webinar, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both ChatGPT and Copilot to help you determine which is the better fit for your HR team and workforce.
Join us for a 40-minute webinar where you'll learn how to pick the best GenAI tool for your team, ensure your data stays secure, and discover practical ways to reduce admin workload. Sam Green from Employment Hero will also be showing you how existing HR software is evolving to integrate AI into existing platforms.
After attending this webinar you will understand:
+ Why ChatGPT is leading the AI revolution at work
+ Why Copilot may yet still claim the No.1 spot in the workplace
+ The pros and cons of each of the two models for your workplace
+ The extra data security issues you MUST know for both tools
+ Cost differentials between ChatGPT v Copilot
+ How HR software is evolving with AI to reduce admin across the employment cycle
Presenters:
Barry Phillips is Chairman of Legal-Island one of the UK and Ireland’s leading legal compliance companies. He is host of the UK’s first podcast on AI specifically for HR and a regular speaker on AI tools such as ChatGPT. Barry is a qualified barrister, author and trainer.
Sam Green at Employment Hero brings a unique blend of expertise in HR technology and strategic alliances. With a focus on leveraging AI to transform HR software, his insights on automation, compliance, and employee engagement aim to equip organisations with the knowledge to make data-driven HR decisions while maintaining a human touch.
Employment Hero is the UK's leading all-in-one Recruitment, HR Software, Payroll & Benefits platform for both employers & employees.
Anyone who registers for our webinar will receive a link to the recording after the event. If you can't make it on the day, register now and catch up later!
You can also send your questions in advance to webinars@legal-island.com. Anonymity assured.
Register now:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2507134345372051289?source=WR+NI
Kickstart 2025 with Confidence: HR Trends and Recruitment Strategies with MCS Group
22nd January 2025 (12 noon - 12.45pm)
Calling all HR professionals! Looking for fresh insights to lead your recruitment strategy in 2025? Join us for a FREE 45-minute lunch-and-learn webinar on 22 January 2025, hosted by Legal Island in partnership with MCS Group.
Recruitment experts Ryan and Rebekah will be bringing together the top trends, tools, and takeaways to help you stand out in the competitive world of talent acquisition:
Learn from 2024’s lessons: See how last year’s key developments are shaping the hiring strategies of tomorrow.
Simplify and save: Discover smart ways to cut costs, streamline processes, and harness automation.
Win the war for talent: Get expert tips to engage candidates and secure standout hires in a competitive market.
Plan for what’s next: Stay ahead with insights into emerging job roles, salary shifts, and sector-specific demands.
Plus, Julie from Legal Island will be on hand to pose your questions directly to Ryan and Rebekah, making sure you leave with the answers and actionable insights you need. This isn’t just another webinar—it’s your toolkit for 2025 success! Grab your lunch, reserve your spot, and get ready to learn with Ireland’s recruitment leaders to elevate your hiring strategy.
Register here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/393202294472814432?source=WR+NI
Check out previous discussions:
https://www.legal-island.com/resources/any-questions-webinars/
Enjoy the weekend.
Legal-Island
