🚀 This Week’s Top 5 – Fast Reads, Big Headlines

1. 💷 2025 Spending Review Announced: What HR needs to know as the Government lays out its plans
2. 🏛️Stormont Jobs Raise Discrimination Concerns: Constituency roles under scrutiny for fairness
3. 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month Reminder: Inclusion and allyship matter — now more than ever
4. ⚖️ Kristie Higgs Appeal Blocked: Supreme Court refuses school’s bid to challenge ruling
5. 🔐 AI & Data Privacy: Information Commissioner: Trust is critical as AI advances

In other news.....the Labour Relations Agency has (sadly) highlighted their Workplace Support for Victims of Racism. Worth a look if you or anyone in your organisation has been affected by the issues we've seen in Ballymena. 

**If you have any difficulties accessing the article or resetting your password (if you haven’t already done so in 2025) please email hub@legal-island.com and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.**

1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Economic Outlook
4. Recruitment and selection
5. DEI
6. Quarter of hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland ‘operating at a loss’
7. "Game-Changing" Pensions Reform - The Pension Schemes Bill is Published
8. Just in Case You Missed It...
9. HR Developments
10. Employment News in the Media
11. GB Developments
12. Free Webinars This Month

Grant v Metlock Systems Ltd [2025]

Summary Description: 

The age discrimination claim was dismissed for being submitted six days late. The Tribunal held that claimant could not justify an extension of time, as he was aware of the deadline and should have sought help earlier.

Claimant: 

Patrick Grant

Respondent: 

Metlock Systems Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This is yet another decision concerning time limits, although in this instance the delay was only six days. The Tribunal considered whether the claim ought to have been presented in time and concluded that the claimant should have sought assistance but chose not to. The Tribunal also commented on potential prejudice arising from the factual background spanning several years. However, this is arguably problematic, as the same historical issues would have required examination even if the claim had been submitted six days earlier. Nevertheless, the decision underscores that the burden rests with the claimant to show that it is just and equitable to extend time.

Read the Review in full:
Grant v Metlock Systems Ltd [2025]
 

Albert v Glendola Leisure Holdings Ltd [2025]

Summary Description: 

Claimant not regarded as a contract worker within the meaning of the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 when he argued that he was contracted by a business he ran and then provided services to the respondent.

Claimant/Appellant: 

Robert Onojeide Albert

Respondent: 

Glendola Leisure Holdings Ltd

Practical Guidance for Employers:

This decision provides a useful analysis and view on the meaning of contract worker within the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997.  The Tribunal outlined that the cases turn on their own facts and the context would have to be considered.  However, the fact that there was a requirement for the claimant to have contracted with another person was seen to be an insurmountable hurdle when its suggestion was that he was contracted from his own business and then to the respondent.

Read the Review in full:
Albert v Glendola Leisure Holdings Ltd [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 are HR professionals in Northern Ireland Responding to the EU AI Act?

Legal Island's Barry Phillips surveyed delegates at a recent event and 88% said they’re currently unsure how to approach the EU AI Act. Barry wants YOUR opinion and thoughts please! Head over to his LinkedIn post to join the discussion here. 

British-Irish Council to be held in Down to have particular focus on AI

Representatives of the British and Irish Governments will meet in Co Down on Friday to discuss latest political developments across the islands. The 43rd meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC), which was established to promote mutually beneficial development following the Good Friday Agreement, will have a particular focus on artificial intelligence. Catch up.

All civil servants to get AI training

All civil servants will get AI training for this year's One Big Thing project, the Cabinet Office has announced. Training for officials on artificial intelligence tools to deliver better public services will roll out this autumn. More here from Civil Service World here. 

Information Commissioner: People must trust their information is protected in the age of AI

The ICO has launched a new AI and biometrics strategy aims to ensure organisations are developing and deploying new technologies lawfully, supporting them to innovate and grow while protecting the public. Read here. 

UK ministers delay AI regulation amid plans for more ‘comprehensive’ bill

Proposals to regulate artificial intelligence have been delayed by at least a year as UK ministers plan a bumper bill to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material. Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, intends to introduce a “comprehensive” AI bill in the next parliamentary session to address concerns about issues including safety and copyright. More from the Guardian here.  

The State of AI Adoption Report 2025 – The Stats and the Tea Leaves

In this episode, Barry Phillips explores McKinsey’s 2025 State of AI Adoption report, highlighting how organisations are embedding AI into workflows—and where they’re falling short. Barry unpacks key stats, from leadership’s role in AI success to the risks employers must manage, and offers practical takeaways for HR and employment law professionals.

The State of AI Adoption Report 2025 – The Stats and the Tea Leaves.

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Government announces 2025 spending review – what does HR need to know?

The government announced its spending review, with chancellor Rachel Reeves telling the House of Commons she is determined to do everything in her power to “put more money in people’s pockets”. People Management sets out the key areas including:

•    Skills for young people
•    Tackling unemployment
•    AI action plan
•    Pay rises for the public sector

Read it here. 

Is Rachel Reeves a toxic influence in the workplace?

If you make hiring people more expensive, fewer people get hired. That might seem a bit like saying “grass is green”, but it appears someone forgot to tell the chancellor. We’re now living with the results. The latest labour market update from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows job vacancies took a swan dive between March and May, declining by 63,000 to 736,000. If, when, employers decide they need to cut their labour costs, it is much better to do so by not replacing people when they leave than it is by big, expensive and disruptive redundancy programmes. But make no mistake: they might still be coming. The Independent has more. 

Labour Market Statistics June 2025 from NISRA

The labour market statistics:

• The number of employees receiving pay through HMRC PAYE in NI in May 2025 was 809,700, a decrease of 0.1% over the month and an increase 0.8% over the year.
   
• Earnings data from HMRC PAYE indicated that NI employees had a median monthly pay of £2,385 in May 2025, a decrease of £21 (0.9%) over the month and an increase of £152 (6.8%) over the year. Median earnings in the latest three months may have been affected by local pay awards. More here.
   

Direct Economic Impact of the New USA Tariff Regime on the Local Economy

Initial findings suggest that the revised tariff structure could lead to a sustained reduction in GDP of at least 0.15%. The research also identifies the machinery and pharmaceutical sectors as being particularly vulnerable to the effects of these new trade barriers. More here.

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UK firms hold off on hiring as job vacancies fall

UK companies are holding back on hiring or are not replacing departing workers, sending job vacancies tumbling, official figures suggest. The number of available jobs fell by 63,000 between March and May while the unemployment rate ticked higher. More from the BBC.

'Discrimination' concerns over Stormont constituency jobs

Dozens of Northern Ireland Assembly members are recruiting staff in a way that could risk claims of unlawful discrimination, a BBC News NI investigation has found. They include First Minister Michelle O'Neill, as the "essential criteria" for some jobs in her constituency office suggested applicants should hold certain political beliefs. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said that, while there are "exceptions" in employment law, the job ads could be "open to a claim for unlawful discrimination". More from the BBC.

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School’s bid to appeal Kristie Higgs ruling refused by Supreme Court

A school’s attempt to appeal a landmark judgment in its seven-year legal battle with Kristie Higgs has been rejected by the Supreme Court. Higgs, the Christian school assistant who was dismissed after sharing Facebook posts that her employer deemed transphobic and homophobic, won her case against Farmor’s School at the Court of Appeal in February 2025. The school, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, appealed the decision in March but three Supreme Court judges, Lord Reed, Lord Hamblen and Lady Simler, have now refused it, bringing the case to a close. Personnel Today has more.

The neurodivergent workplace is still out of reach

A new study has revealed the extent of workplace challenges faced by neurodivergent employees in Ireland and the UK, with 96% of survey respondents reporting barriers that impact their daily work experience. The research, conducted by office solutions provider Codex in partnership with Dublin-based Braver Coaching & Consulting, surveyed 220 neurodivergent employees in full-time employment to understand their workplace experiences and identify areas for improvement. Read more.

Bridging the gap between Gen Z and their first job

Gen Z isn’t lacking in talent — they’re stuck in a hiring system that doesn’t see them. From entry-level roles demanding experience to silent rejection, the gap isn’t about skill but visibility. This article explores how HR leaders can redesign early-career hiring to recognize real potential and build systems that open doors, not close them. More.

Pride Month: Why inclusion and allyship matter now more than ever

As we mark Pride Month, the call for allyship carries even greater weight. It’s a time to reaffirm that allyship is not performative, but a continuous, values-driven commitment. The question is no longer should your organisation act, but how it must respond – with courage, integrity and accountability. HR Director has more.

Working mums say support doesn't add up

A new whitepaper by &Culture Consulting has shed light on the harsh realities facing working mothers returning from maternity leave, and the findings are stark. Only 17% of mothers feel confident returning to work after maternity leave, with widespread experiences of bullying, demotion, and neglect. Reward Strategy has more on this story. 

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A new survey of hospitality operators across Northern Ireland found that increases to employer national insurance contributions (NIC) and above-inflation wage increases on hospitality businesses have left 27% of operators saying that they are now operating at a loss, and 20% breaking even. 49% of operators reduced the number of staff employed in anticipation of the cost increases and 33% have done so since April. Some 51% of respondents stated that their workforce has decreased in the last 12 months. You can read more from Belfast Live.

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The long-awaited Pension Schemes Bill has been laid before Parliament. Described by the government as a "game changer", it aims to increase members' pension pots and deliver a £50 billion investment into the UK economy. The Bill's provisions are wide-ranging and represent the most significant reform to the UK pensions landscape in a decade. The government has published accompanying explanatory notes and a roadmap setting out its overarching aims for its reforms to workplace pensions, as well as the indicative timing for the implementation of the Bill. Mayer Brown LLP’s article for Lexology has more on this here.  

Keep an eye on the progress of the Bill here.

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Q&A: What are the employer’s obligations in conducting Right to Work Checks for employees on a time limited visa?

Employers must check and record visa expiry dates to prevent illegal working and ensure Right to Work compliance. 
More: Q&A: What are the employer’s obligations in conducting Right to Work Checks for employees on a time limited visa?

Q&A: Is it lawful for an employer to monitor communications between a trade union representative and trade union members?

Employers should be careful when monitoring Employee communications, however, this obligation is heightened if the communications are between a trade union representative and union members. 
More: Q&A: Is it lawful for an employer to monitor communications between a trade union representative and trade union members?

Employment Law at 11: Restructuring with Respect

With rising concerns around “quiet redundancies”, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty, many employees are feeling unsettled. In this timely webinar, Employment Law at 11 regular Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and special guest Denise Collins of ForeBee Consulting explore how to handle redundancy lawfully and respectfully—from fair processes and communication, to supporting those affected and retaining trust among those who stay. A practical session for anyone involved in difficult workforce decisions. Catch up HERE:
NI - Employment Law at 11: Restructuring with Respect

Burnout Isn’t a Badge: Building Sustainable Self-Care for Leaders

Burnout isn’t leadership. This article urges leaders to ditch exhaustion-as-status and embrace self-care as a powerful, strategic advantage. More from Philip Brady, Executive Coach and Director at Vitamin P Coaching Ltd, here:
Burnout Isn’t a Badge: Building Sustainable Self-Care for Leaders

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HR professionals lack mental health support, risking burnout

Almost nine in 10 HR practitioners do not feel supported with their mental health at work, according to a survey of around 1,400 workers in the profession, with one commentator saying that HR should ‘put on their own oxygen mask first’. The HR Mental Wellbeing Report from Towergate Employee Benefits suggests that burnout is “very likely” for almost two-thirds (63%) of the profession, and that 15% are “at risk”. Personnel Today has more. 

CIPD: A quarter feel work has negative impact on health

A quarter of workers believe their job has a negative impact on their health, according to research from the CIPD. Despite an increase in job quality over the eight years the HR body’s Good Work Index has been running, work continues to have a negative impact on people’s wellbeing, it found. A quarter of UK workers equates to around 8.5 million people, who report factors such as excessive workloads, too much stress or pressure, poor relationships with colleagues and ineffective line management. More from Personnel Today. 

Why having a massive public row with your boss rarely ends well

The spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk is a vivid example of how a massive blowup with your boss can be destructive and dangerous. Professor Kevin Murphy from the University of Limerick provides insights in this article from RTÉ. 

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The fight for better rights and conditions for workers against exploitative employers is continuing, with the GMB union securing a massive payout for former Wilko workers, after the company failed to properly consult with them before going bust. The GMB says that almost 10,000 former Wilko workers will share a pay out of £2 million after it won a legal case. Read in full.

Using the phrase 'lads' at work could count as sex harassment, an employment tribunal has ruled, as a £95,000-a-year executive is in line for compensation. The use of the noun in a mixed work force may be 'unwanted conduct' based on sex, a judge has said. Such 'casual use of gender-specific language' might well be perceived as patronising by female members of staff, the panel warned. More here from the Daily Mail.
 
A children’s centre worker, Nicholas James, who is autistic, was awarded over £17,000 after a tribunal ruled that a colleague’s remark violated his dignity. James had complained in 2023 that music at The Venture in Wrexham affected his concentration. Chief officer Malcolm King joked in November: “Why can’t you be ordinary and perfect like the rest of us? But no, jokes aside, having always been something of a weirdo myself, I have some sympathy.” Tribunal judge Stephen Jenkins found the comment inappropriate, noting King later acknowledged its inappropriateness. More from Wales Online.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office permanent under-secretary Sir Olly Robbins has told staff that resigning from the civil service is their ultimate move if they have “profound” disagreements with the UK’s policy on the Gaza war.  Robbins’ comments came in response to more than 300 officials at the department who wrote to foreign secretary David Lammy last month, setting out concerns over the government's Gaza policy.  Civil Service World has more on this.

A senior estate agent who suffered from migraines has been given the go-ahead by an employment tribunal to claim disability discrimination. Sarah Williams, who worked as a team manager with a Countrywide estate agency, says her severe headaches prevented her from carrying out her job. The estate agent is claiming disability discrimination, unfair dismissal and unlawful deduction from wages, and there will be a hearing to determine the outcome of the case. The Negotiator has more. 

Nearly 400 Birmingham workers facing changes to their pay and conditions have voted to continue industrial action, Unite, the UK’s largest union, has announced. The ballot, which resulted in 97% of workers voting in favour of strike action on a 75% turnout, means strike action could last until December, reports Personnel Today. 

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Paternity pay in UK is one of the lowest in the developed world, MPs say

The UK has one of the "worst statutory leave offers for fathers and other parents in the developed world", the chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Committee has warned. Sarah Owen said the UK's parental leave system was in "urgent need of an overhaul to fit with the reality of working parents' lives". Sky News has more on this story.
You can find the report here.

Meanwhile MPs have sorted their own paternity leave out.....................!

Parliamentary staff to be entitled to double the statutory level of paternity leave

MPs’ staff will be entitled to a maximum of four weeks' paternity leave – double the statutory level – after MPs appealed to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. Under IPSA’s current policy, parliamentary staff are entitled to the statutory level of two weeks’ paid paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child, taken in a single block. Any additional time must be covered using unpaid or annual leave. Politics Home has more on this story. 

IOD: 75% of business leaders to reduce human hiring with automation due to Employment Rights Bill

New research reveals the profound concerns executives have about Labour’s flagship Employment Rights Bill. According to a comprehensive survey by the Institute of Directors, nearly three-quarters of business leaders believe the legislation will damage UK economic growth, with many planning to reduce hiring, outsource overseas and accelerate automation investments. More from the Freelance Informer.

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FREE WEBINAR: 

MCS Lunch and Learn: What Top Recruiters Know that You Don’t (Yet)       

🔔 Please note that the webinar has been rescheduled to 23rd July.

🗓  Thursday, 23 July 2025
🕚 12:00 – 12:45 (45 mins)
💻 Online

Register HERE.
                                                            
Join Julie from Legal Island for an MCS Lunch and Learn webinar with leading recruitment experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan. In the first quarter of 2025, the business and recruitment landscape has already been reshaped by macroeconomic, socio-economic, and political forces. Policy changes, inflationary pressures, and shifts in the labour market are compelling organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland to reassess their HR strategies. As workforce dynamics continue to evolve and skills demands grow, it’s essential for HR professionals to adapt their approaches to remain competitive and effectively meet new challenges.

In this 45-minute webinar, Ryan and Rebekah will share the latest trends in recruitment, exploring how organisations are addressing skills shortages, meeting the demand for flexible work, and adapting to the changing expectations of today’s candidates. From the rise of AI-assisted applications to the impact of global DEI rollbacks on local employer brands, they’ll outline the trends that will define talent acquisition in 2025 and beyond.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• Evolving Hiring Trends – Gain insight into where job demand is expected to increase in the next year.
   
• Practical Strategies for Addressing Skills Shortages and Talent Demands – Learn how organisations are responding to economic pressures and shifting labour markets.
   
• Building an Authentic and Competitive Employer Brand – Discover how cultural fit and retention efforts can strengthen your recruitment strategy.

Learn how to build trust and strengthen your employer brand in an era where candidates are more informed than ever. Our experts will also discuss how HR teams can stay authentic and competitive in a rapidly shifting environment - ensuring your organisation’s values shine through at every touchpoint, from job adverts to interviews and beyond. Expect practical tips, straight-talking insights, and just enough humour to make your talent challenges feel (almost) manageable.

Got questions? Bring them along! Ryan and Rebekah will be answering audience questions, giving you the chance to get expert advice on the issues that matter most to you.

Check out previous discussions:
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Enjoy your long weekend!

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