NLJ this week: Comparators—how close is close enough?

23 January 2026

Issue: 8146 / Categories: Legal News , Discrimination , Employment , Disciplinary&grievance procedures , Equality

Comparators remain the fault line of discrimination law. In this week's NLJ, Anjali Malik, partner at Bellevue Law, and Mukhtiar Singh, barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, review a bumper year of appellate guidance clarifying how tribunals should approach ‘actual’ and ‘evidential’ comparators. A new six-stage framework stresses a simple starting point: identify the treatment first

Recent cases show tribunals increasingly willing to look beyond named comparators and examine wider workplace patterns. A ‘clean sheet’ interview process will not always shield employers if bias is alleged earlier.

As one ruling confirmed, poor treatment alone is not enough—but inconsistent treatment can be powerful evidence. The lesson for employers is blunt: keep detailed records and expect scrutiny.

Issue: 8146 / Categories: Legal News , Discrimination , Employment , Disciplinary&grievance procedures , Equality

Close—but close enough?

NLJ this week: Comparators—how close is close enough?

As one ruling confirmed, poor treatment alone is not enough—but inconsistent treatment can be powerful evidence. The lesson for employers is blunt: keep detailed records and expect scrutiny.

Issue: 8146 / Categories: , Legal News , Discrimination , Employment , Disciplinary&grievance procedures , Equality

Close—but close enough?

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Corporate governance and company law specialist joins the team

Excello Law—Heather Horsewood & Darren Barwick

North west team expands with senior private client and property hires

Ward Hadaway—Paul Wigham

Firm boosts corporate team in Newcastle to support high-growth technology businesses

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NLJ this week: Comparators—how close is close enough?

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NLJ this week: Comparators—how close is close enough?

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Excello Law—Heather Horsewood & Darren Barwick

Ward Hadaway—Paul Wigham