header-logo header-logo

13 January 2017 / Ian Smith
Issue: 7729 / Categories: Features , Employment
printer mail-detail

​Employment law brief

nlj_7729_smith

Recent case law provides a good illustration of established rules in the longstanding law on unfair dismissal, says Ian Smith

 
  • Multiple reasons in constructive dismissal cases.
  • Using lapsed warnings.
  • The right approach to whistleblowing allegations.
  • Practicability in re-engagement claims.

What the four cases considered this month have in common is that, while breaking no new ground, they are good illustrations of established rules in our longstanding law on unfair dismissal. They cover multiple reasons in constructive dismissal cases, using lapsed warnings, the right approach to whistleblowing allegations and practicability in re-engagement claims.

Constructive dismissal—multiple reasons for leaving

It is well established that where there are two or more reasons for the employee leaving, he or she will still be able to claim constructive dismissal if at least one of them constituted a repudiatory breach by the employer, and that the tribunal must not take an overly “purist” approach by looking for the principal reason for leaving. The decision of Judge Shanks in Ishaq v Royal Mail Group UKEAT/0156/16 however shows

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—19 promotions

Ward Hadaway—19 promotions

19 promotions across national offices, including two new partners

Brabners—Ruth Hargreaves

Brabners—Ruth Hargreaves

Partner promoted to head of corporate team

Slater Heelis—Liam Hall, Jordan Bear & Joe Madigan

Slater Heelis—Liam Hall, Jordan Bear & Joe Madigan

Chester office expansion accelerates with triple appointment

NEWS
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys has reignited debate over what exactly counts as the ‘conduct of litigation’ in modern legal practice
A controversial High Court financial remedies ruling has reignited debate over secrecy, non-disclosure and fairness in divorce proceedings involving hidden wealth
Britain’s deferred prosecution agreement regime is undergoing a significant shift, with prosecutors placing renewed emphasis on corporate cooperation, reform and early self-reporting
The High Court has upheld the Metropolitan Police’s live facial recognition policy, rejecting claims that its deployment unlawfully interferes with privacy and protest rights
As AI chatbots increasingly provide legal and commercial advice, English law is beginning to confront who should bear responsibility when automated systems get things wrong
back-to-top-scroll