Top 5 for Busy People 🚀:

1. 😞The lonely workforce – Feeling disconnected? Turns out it’s not just sad... it’s bad for business.
2. 🚫Grandma, gents, weirdo – What’s still OK to say at work? New etiquette rules are here, and some classics didn’t make the cut.
3. ⚡Extreme Weather rights – Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald backs Unite’s bold new proposals at Stormont.
4. 🤖Amazon’s top boss says jobs will be replaced by AI. No maybes. It’s happening.
5. 🤝Who says both sides can’t win? A rare case where everyone walks away smiling.

In other news... Help shape this year’s Annual Review of Employment Law - take our quick survey and tell us what matters most to you! 📝

**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. DEI
4. Who says both sides can’t win a legal dispute?
5. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald launches Unite’s ‘Extreme Weather’ demands at Stormont
6. Just in Case You Missed It...
7. HR Developments
8. Employment News in the Media
9. GB Developments
10. Friends of Legal Island
11. Free Webinars This Month

O’Neill & Durkan v Belfast Health and Social Care Trust [2025]

Summary Description: 

Contract for sessional GPs was declared void due to uncertainty and the claimants were successful in their holiday pay claim.

Claimant: 

Edward O’Neill

Respondent: 

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 

Practical Guidance for Employers:

The importance of ensuring consistency and certainty throughout a contractual document is made abundantly clear here.   The Tribunal found it very difficult to see any clarity in the contractual document and their frustration with the Tribunal was made clear within this judgment.  When reviewing such contracts one should be mindful of the challenges that could be raised relating to the sections and being mindful that each word within a legal document may have a meaning which changes the nature of the agreement.  

Read the Review in full:
O’Neill & Durkan v Belfast Health and Social Care Trust [2025]
 

Tallinna Linn [2025]

Summary Description: 

EU Law did not prevent Member States from allowing mandatory vaccination for those workers who may have been exposed to risks, such as coronavirus.

Practical Guidance for Employers:

It may seem a bit late to be considering the issue of mandatory vaccines within the workplace, but it did cause a great deal of angst within wider society when the issue was raised during the pandemic.  This decision of the ECJ provides the EU Law view noting that there was nothing to prevent mandatory vaccination where individuals were being or could be exposed to biological risks.  This can be important for Northern Ireland considering that rights emanating from the EU can still be relied upon because of the Windsor Framework.

Read the Review in full:
Tallinna Linn [2025]

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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/

Businesses warned not to overlook AI shortcomings 

A prominent business academic has warned that companies may be ignoring the limitations of AI and damaging relationships with customers as they rush to implement the technology into their core processes and functions. In response to the acknowledgment by Amazon’s chief executive Andy Jassy that AI will replace jobs at the online retailer, Henley Business School’s Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega said that AI still demonstrated limitations when tackling complex tasks. Read more in Personnel Today. 

Amazon boss says AI will replace jobs at tech giant

Amazon boss Andy Jassy has told staff to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and warned the technology will lead to a smaller corporate workforce in the next few years. He shared the prediction in a memo to staff on Tuesday, which urged employees to "be curious about AI". The BBC has more.

Northern Ireland Office of AI and Digital takes on remit of ‘transforming public services’

Senior Stormont ministers outline ambitions for new tech unit hoped to help Northern Ireland become ‘a world leader in responsible AI and play a transformational role in public sector delivery’ reports Public Technology.

UK government rollout of Humphrey AI tool raises fears about reliance on big tech

The government’s artificial intelligence (AI) tool known as Humphrey is based on models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, it can be revealed, raising questions about Whitehall’s increasing reliance on big tech, reports the Guardian.

AI Development Running Just to Stand Still? Here’s Some Advice: Run Faster…

This week Barry Phillips argues that the pace of change in most organisations now just isn’t anything like fast enough.

AI Development Running Just to Stand Still? Here’s Some Advice: Run Faster…

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Barts nurse told to remove watermelon image claims discrimination

Three NHS workers have launched legal action against Barts Health NHS Trust, arguing that its new dress code, which led to one being told to remove a watermelon background image, constitutes discrimination because of their pro-Palestinian beliefs. Senior nurse Ahmad Baker and Dr Aarash Saleh, a respiratory consultant, from Whipps Cross Hospital in east London, together with Dr Sara Ali, a haematology registrar who previously worked at Royal London Hospital, said the trust’s new policy amounts to indirect discrimination. More here.

Grandma, gents, weirdo: The new rules on what you can and can’t say at work

A smattering of recent legal rulings has rewritten the rules of what you can and cannot say in the workplace. Here’s what you need to be aware of, according to The Standard.

What role can Pride celebrations play in a DEI strategy?  

GI Group is one of the UK’s leading HR and recruitment specialists, employing close to 234 people across the UK and Ireland. Emma-Louise Taylor, group head of learning and development and equity, diversity and inclusion, explains how the organisation champions inclusion through year in this piece for Employee Benefits

Lack of role models a ‘barrier’ for people with learning disabilities

A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome and autism, research has revealed.  A survey by hotel chain Hilton found that of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers, 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. More here. 

Is freedom of speech the new workplace battleground?

This article from People Management explains how to manage the fallout from differing beliefs and views.

Menopause claims triple in two years, tribunal figures show

Between January and March 2025, employment tribunal claims continued to climb. Menopause-related claims hit 204, up 319% from 2022. Disability discrimination cases saw the sharpest rise, jumping nearly 28% to 2,231. Claims for redundancy pay and working time directive also rose by 25%. Over the 2024–25 period, 42,000 single claims were received, 32,000 resolved, and 45,000 remained open by March 2025. Personnel Today has more.

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Laura McKenna explains the relatively little-known magic of mediation in this article for The Scotsman. 

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This week the Economy minister Caoimhe Archibald launched Unite’s ‘Extreme Weather’ survey results and policy demands, following a survey of over 1200 Unite members across Northern Ireland and their experiences delivering essential services during recent severe storms. Catch up here. 

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Experience vs Degree – what does your organisation value more?

A recent Employment Tribunal Judgment in England highlights the importance of fair redundancy practices and the protection of employees from age discrimination in the workplace. In this case a former Lidl employee was awarded £50,000 for unfair dismissal and age discrimination. This case serves as a reminder to all employers that redundancy processes must be conducted fairly and reasonably, without disadvantaging employees based on criteria that disproportionately affect older workers. Redundancy is one of five fair reasons in law that an employer may terminate an employee’s contract of employment. Not only must an employer follow a fair process, but it should also ensure that the selection or the selection criteria applied when terminating a contract of employment, are not related to any protected characteristic such as age or sex. In certain situations, this may be easier said than done. Read in full.

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

In high-performance cultures, stress is often worn like a badge of honour. Long hours, back-to-back meetings, constant decision-making - it all becomes part of the job. But at what cost? Too often, leaders don’t realise they’re burning out until they’re deep in it. By then, it takes real time - and sometimes real damage - to recover. 
This article is an invitation to press pause before you hit that point. It’s a reminder that caring for yourself isn’t indulgence; it’s strategy. Because sustainable performance starts with sustainable humans. More.

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HR takes responsibility for what really shapes culture - Insights from CIPD Future of Work 

HR’s role has fundamentally shifted. No longer just a support function, HR is now expected to define company strategy, driving outcomes from digital infrastructure to cultural ownership. HRD Connect has more on this story.

Beyond push-back: 5 modern truths about change resistance 

Change at work feels harder than ever. But there’s more going on than people simply digging in their heels. Simon Phillips unpacks what’s really behind the push-back in this article for the Training Journal, from stress and burnout to wanting a proper say in decisions, and shares smart ways to help make change feel better for everyone.

Leadership is not just about results

Leaders are not immune to pressure, they are just more practiced at concealing it. But concealment is not strength. It is a risk. Your mental health is not a soft skill. It is the operating system that drives your performance, your presence and your decision making. More from the HR Director here. 

The lonely workforce: how disconnection impacts success

Today’s workplace is a study in contradictions: We’re more linked than ever technologically, yet professional isolation continues to deepen. You can read more on this from HRD Connect.

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Hundreds of university staff are preparing to strike in a dispute over their hybrid working patterns. Unite members at the University of Liverpool will walk out on Friday and Saturday - when campus open days are taking place - after being told they must have a minimum of 60% attendance working on site. The Unite union accused the university of "riding roughshod" over staff's wellbeing and objected to it "issuing diktats", reports the BBC.

The UK’s data protection watchdog has fined genetic testing company 23andMe £2.31 million for failing to implement appropriate security measures to protect the personal information of UK users, following a large-scale cyber attack in 2023. More from Irish Legal News.

Poundland plans to close 68 stores and two warehouses as part of a turnaround strategy, with reports estimating that between 1,000 and 2,000 jobs are at risk. The budget chain, which was sold by Pepco to US retail investment firm Gordon Brothers for a nominal sum last week, has nearly 800 shops and employs approximately 16,000 people in the UK and Ireland. Poundland said its Irish stores, which trade under the Dealz brand, will not be affected in the closures, which require UK court permission. Personnel Today has more here.

Translink staff who are members of the Transport Salaried Staff’s Association (TSSA) indicated their support for walkouts and industrial action short of a strike. Strike action within supervisor grades at NI Railways reached more than 90% in favour, with similar results at Ulsterbus as well as management grades at NI Railways, which gathered more than 80% support. No dates have yet been set for industrial action, but the union warned major transport disruption could be seen over the summer. More from the News Letter. 

A Yorkshire law firm did not fail to safeguard a member of staff from her ex-partner, who had become a disgruntled client, an employment tribunal has ruled. LPS Solicitors in Bradford sent Tusswar Ali four ‘cease and desist’ letters and changed Ms A Shaheen’s work phone number in response to his abusive calls and emails. More from Legal Futures here.

A French woman who sued an Edinburgh charity is entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation from her former employers, a judge has ruled. Lydia Magloire took legal action against Edinburgh non-profit Earth in Common. Edinburgh Live covered the proceedings at the Employment Tribunal in February where Ms Magloire alleged she suffered detriment due to being French, among other claims. Edinburgh Live has more on this story.

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Businesses sign open letter to the government about GB Employment Rights Bill

Entrepreneurs Dominic Ponniah (Cleanology CEO) and Malcolm Hills (Think FM MD) have publicly opposed parts of the proposed GB Employment Rights Bill in an open letter to government leaders. Backed by 128 FM sector companies - representing £7 billion in GDP and over 156,000 jobs - they warn the bill could harm both employers and workers. Key concerns include plans to grant unfair dismissal rights and statutory sick pay from day one, and to expand union powers. Ponniah shared the letter on LinkedIn, citing fears of unintended consequences. You can read more on this from HR Director.

White Ribbon UK launches ‘Right to Respect’ June campaign to prevent workplace harassment

White Ribbon UK has announced the launch of its new Right to Respect campaign throughout June – aimed at creating safer, more respectful and inclusive workplaces. The campaign has been launched in line with the GB Worker Protection Act 2023, which came into force in October 2024, placing a new legal duty on employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. More from HR News here. 

Defra eyes 5% headcount cuts as departments set out workforce reduction plans

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is expecting to reduce its headcount by 5% in the current financial year. The target is detailed in the ‘Departmental Efficiency Plans’ document, which accompanies the Spending Review 2025 Red Book and outlines the day-to-day efficiency savings committed to by each government department over the next four years – and how they plan to achieve them. Civil Service World has more. 

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Northern Ireland recipients of King's birthday honours 2025 

Mrs Lorraine Denise Armstrong, Administrative Officer, Labour Relations Agency. For services to Employment Relations in Northern Ireland has received an BEM. A full list of those honoured can be found HERE.

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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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