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23 October 2014 / Ian Smith
Issue: 7627 / Categories: Features , Employment
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Employment law brief: 23 October 2014

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The latest employment law developments constitute shots across the bows for employers & employees, says Ian Smith

The three cases considered this month could be seen as having one theme, namely as containing the proverbial shot across the bows—in the first one for any employer still under the impression that taking someone on as a “casual” with gaps between engagements means that they have no rights at all, in the second one for any employee going to work abroad in a country not exactly known for supportive employment laws, and in the third one for any employee faced with a possible constructive dismissal situation but wanting to delay what may be the inevitable. Whoever said that life was meant to be simple? Certainly not an employment lawyer.

Keeping it casual

The crucial distinction between an “employee” and a “worker” is further explored in the decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) under Judge Clark in Windle v Arada UKEAT/0339/13, which adds a point of potentially considerable importance for the protection

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Trio of recruits strengthens Switalskis residential property team

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Birmingham law firm appoints construction partner

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop accelerates Northern growth through strategic senior appointments

NEWS
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience

A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up

A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
Jonathan Fisher KC’s wide-ranging fraud report contains worthwhile proposals, but turning them into workable reform will require money, capacity and political will
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