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NLJ this week: Ten years of philosophical belief

13 November 2020
Issue: 7910 / Categories: Legal News , Employment , Profession
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What is the meaning of ‘philosophical belief’ for the purposes of employment law?

Pacifism, ethical veganism, democratic socialism, spiritualism and belief in life after have all been considered by the courts in this context in the past ten years. It’s a fascinating area of the law.

However, the criteria set a decade ago by Mr Justice Burton―in the 2010 case brought by the so-called Oxford Green Warrior (Grainger plc v Nicholson)―have stood the test of time.

Writing in NLJ this week, John Bowers QC, Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford, who acted in Grainger, looks at the parameters of philosophical belief, and the development of the law since this seminal case.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Bridget Tatham, Forum of Insurance Lawyers

NLJ Career Profile: Bridget Tatham, Forum of Insurance Lawyers

Bridget Tatham, partner at Browne Jacobson and 2026 president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, highlights the importance of hard work, ambition and seizing opportunities

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Firm grows international bench with expanded UK partner class

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Firm makes major statement in the capital with strategic growth at The Shard

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
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