The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

By CM Murray LLPBusiness
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The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP episodes

  • Episode 32: RNLI sexual misconduct allegations; Study on the health benefits of napping during the day; Equal pay in women's sports; Morocco's women's football captain inappropriate question

    We are delighted to share Episode 32 of The Lawdown, our regular podcast discussing the latest key employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories, and the interesting legal issues behind them! 

    In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partner Emma Bartlett, Senior Associate Wonu Sanda, and seconded Trainee Solicitor Sam Whiteley discuss the following:

    1. The legal issues surrounding the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s handling of a sexual misconduct claim against a man in charge of one of its lifeboats (in particular, the question of suspension)
    2. A study published in June by researchers at UCL and the University of the Republic of Uruguay suggesting that having a nap during the day is good for brain health, and could slow the rate at which the brain shrinks with ageing. Are employers taking the benefits of napping seriously, and what obligations do they have to do so?
    3. The issue of equal pay in sports, and particularly football, which has been brought into the spotlight again following the Australian women’s football professional players union posting a video outlining injustices in the pay gap between them and their male counterparts
    4. Finally, the fallout following a reporter asking the captain of the Morocco women’s football team, Ghizlane Chebbak, whether there were any gay players in their squad and what life was like for them in Morocco?

      5. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

      34 min
    5. Episode 31: Phillip Schofield's resignation & subsequent investigation, term-time working contracts for Amazon employees, & BlackRock staff return to the office

      In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partner Sarah Chilton and Senior Associates Pooja Dasgupta and Wonu Sanda discuss the following:

      1. The legal issues surrounding Phillip Schofield's resignation from 'This Morning' and the subsequent ITV investigation after he admitted to having an "unwise but not illegal" relationship with a younger, male colleague which revealed that he had been lying about the nature of this relationship to his employer, colleagues and the public.

      2. Amazon UK offering term-time employment contracts to both parents and grandparents to allow flexible working for employees and whether this can be practically applied to a wider range of industries.

      3. Finally, we discuss BlackRock and other financial institutions following their efforts to require employees to return to working in the office, the justification for this, and the potential pitfalls of doing so.

      30 min
    6. Episode 30: The Ritz job applicant afro hair ban; CBI allegations of misconduct and Boots "less abled" parking signs

      In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Pooja Dasgupta discuss the following:

      1. The Ritz job applicant informed of afro hair ban - we discuss the potential discriminatory impact of “employee [hair] grooming” policies and how to prevent such behaviour/practices, and look at the adoption of the Halo Code (the UK’s first Black Hair code).
         
      2. The recent investigations into allegations of misconduct at the CBI, the Fire brigade and the Met.
         
      3. Finally, we discuss how the unintended Boots sign relabelling disabled parking at certain sites as being parking for the “less abled” reminds us of the ongoing need to be considerate of choice of language and terminology in respect of disabilities.

        4. All 30 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click the links below to listen and subscribe:

        Anchor
        Apple Podcasts
        Spotify

        We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

        26 min
      4. Episode 29: Matt Hancock’s WhatsApps; Gary Lineker’s BBC Twitter Storm; Fiona Bruce’s Controversy; Teacher’s Racist WhatsApps Caught By Pupils & Oscars Diversity

        In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associates Wonu Sanda and Pooja Dasgupta discuss the following:

        1. Matt Hancock’s leaked WhatsApp messages - thousands of the former Health Secretary’s covid WhatsApp messages leaked by Isabel Oakeshott to the Telegraph; the tension between upholding confidentiality agreements and the disclosure of information in public interest; and the potential risks of using WhatsApp for work.
        2. Gary Lineker’s BBC Twitter storm - the BBC’s suspension of Match of the Day presenter, Gary Lineker, following his criticism of the government’s proposed illegal migration bill on Twitter. We discuss the increasing use of social media by employees to express personal views, the blurred boundaries between personal and professional life online and the importance of updating and applying social media policies clearly, proportionately, and consistently.
        3. Fiona Bruce’s Question Time controversy – Fiona Bruce stepping down as ambassador for Refuge, a domestic violence charity, following accusations that she trivialised domestic violence during a discussion about Boris Johnson’s father on Question Time. We discuss the impact of external activities on the workplace and the challenges faced by those holding multiple roles when managing and resolving conflicts of interests.
        4. Teacher’s racist WhatsApp chat caught by pupils – the Ethiopian Israeli school girls reportedly 'mocked' by their teachers in a racist WhatsApp group chat titled ‘Black School Trip’ and the concerning discriminatory connotations at play, as well as issues of professionalism, confidentiality and the risk of WhatsApp evidence disclosure in litigation.
        5. 2023 Oscars Diversity – the historic and ground-breaking wins at the 2023 Oscars for diverse creatives of Asian descent involved in the best picture winner, ‘Everything, Everywhere All at Once’ and other diverse winners. We discuss the positive developments since the #oscarssowhite protests in 2015, the progress in the recognition and celebration of minority groups at the Oscars and the importance of ensuring a diverse selection and voting panel process to bring about sustained change.
          6. 35 min
        6. Episode 28: Eddie Jones Move to Rugby Australia; Maternity Pay and Policies in Football; and Gender Equality Issues in Rugby Union

          We are delighted to introduce this Sports Edition of the Lawdown podcast, discussing our take on the employment, partnership and other legal issues behind some fresh news stories in the sporting world.

          In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Paralegal Mitchell Blythe discuss the following:

          1. Eddie Jones Move to Rugby Australia: The significance of post-termination restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) failure to insert a non-compete clause into the severance agreement of former head coach Eddie Jones leads to his new role in Rugby Australia just 7 weeks later.
          2. Maternity in Football: A landmark ruling on maternity pay at the FIFA Tribunal for Icelandic footballer, Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, and criticism by Reading captain, Emma Mukandi of the Football Association maternity policy.
          3. Gender Equality in Rugby Union: Action taken by both Wales Rugby Union and Ireland Rugby Football Union in the wake of allegations that there exists a toxic culture of sexism within Wales Rugby Union.

            4. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

            23 min
          4. Episode 27: Naomi Osaka Pregnancy Announcement; The Metaverse and the Future of Work; Storming of Brazilian Congress; Gender Neutral Brit Awards Nominations

            Happy New Year and best wishes for 2023 from the Lawdown Podcast team! We are delighted to kick off our first Lawdown podcast of the year discussing our take on the employment, partnership and other legal issues behind some fresh news stories.

            In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Wonu Sanda discuss the following:

            1. Naomi Osaka pregnancy announcement: we focus on the changing attitudes and practices towards pregnant and returning mothers in high performance sport. We also explore how maternity rights, protections and facilities have been used to support working mothers in traditional workplaces and the parallel maternity and family friendly advancements developing in the tennis world.
            2. The Metaverse and the future of work: is the prospect of our workplaces being transported to the developing online virtual reality world – the metaverse – closer than we think? We consider some of the potential benefits and legal and practical challenges (including discrimination and employee wellbeing) that the Metaverse might give rise to and the interplay with employee management and interaction issues observed, following the wider post-pandemic adoption of remote working practices.
            3. Storming of the Brazilian Congress: the recent footage of protesters storming the Brazilian congress and Supreme Court building shocked the world and raises employment questions as to whether employers can discipline those who are caught on video. We discuss this and the difficult issues that employers may encounter when seeking to manage clashing political views between employees expressed both inside and outside of the workplace.
            4. Gender Neutral Brit Awards Nominations: with one of the UK’s biggest music award ceremonies, the Brit Awards, scrapping its male and female best artist categories for a gender neutral ‘Artist of the Year’ category, we discuss the backlash the Brit Awards has received for filling its nominees with an all-male line-up. We consider why and how has this happened and what employers can learn about diversity and equality issues.


              5. 36 min
            5. Episode 26: Twitter Mass Redundancies; Ronaldo’s Man U Exit; Former Royal Lady in Waiting Race Row; and London Fire Brigade Cultural Review

              It’s December – and that means Christmas plans and festivities are underway! But if you want a break from all of that then we are delighted to share another episode of our topical podcast, The Lawdown, where we discuss our take on recent employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories and the interesting legal issues behind them.

              In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Senior Associates Wonu Sanda and Pooja Dasgupta, alongside Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett discuss the following:

              1. The recent mass redundancies sweeping through Twitter and the apparent lack of consultation and process followed. We also weigh in on CEO Elon Musk’s controversial 24 hour ultimatum that remaining staff either accept long and high intensity working hours to build "Twitter 2.0” or leave with a three month severance package and the possible health and safety, employee motivation and well-being implications.
              2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s public criticism of and subsequent departure from Manchester United football club and whether employees can be disciplined for publicly criticising their employers, including issues around breach of contract and whistleblowing. We look at other potential outcomes like constructive dismissal claims and negotiated exits often considered in circumstances where there has been a breakdown of mutual trust and confidence.
              3. Lady Hussey’s (a former royal lady in waiting) resignation following the revelation that she repeatedly questioned Ngozi Fuloni (a black executive of charity, Sistah Space) on where she was “really” from. We discuss racial prejudices, how these and other such incidents can constitute micro-aggressions, the impact on an individual’s sense of cultural belonging in society or in a workplace and the role of bystanders in the fight against discrimination.
              4. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) independent cultural review and recommendations, commissioned following an investigation into the death of a trainee firefighter who had complained of bullying and harassment, including the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to confronting and rooting out misogyny, sexism, abuse, harassment, racism and other forms of discrimination in our workplaces and public institutions. 


                5. 35 min
              5. Episode 25: Man United’s Mason Greenwood; Ministerial Misdemeanours; and Met Police Misconduct Failings

                We are delighted to share Episode 25 of The Lawdown, our regular podcast discussing the latest key employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories, and the interesting legal issues behind them.

                In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Senior Associate Pooja Dasgupta and Partners Beth Hale and Sarah Chilton discuss the following:

                1. Manchester United’s handling of allegations made against Mason Greenwood, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against the prominent footballer, including discussion around the avenues currently open to the club; the potential legal consequences associated with early termination of Greenwood’s contract; and the impact of the concurrent criminal proceedings upon the club’s decision making process.
                2. Liz Truss’ unprecedented short term in office; bullying allegations recently made against Gavin Williamson; and Matt Hancock’s widely criticised foray into “the Jungle” – drawing upon parallels in the workplace context and relevant considerations for employers in similar circumstances.
                3. The conclusions reached by Baroness Casey in her interim report on the current misconduct system in the Met Police, focusing on the findings made in relation to the significant delays in the processing and determination of disciplinary offences within the Met Police; and the impact of those delays on complainants, perpetrators and wider cultural issues across the police force.

                  4. All 25 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click the links below to listen and subscribe:

                  Anchor

                  Apple Podcasts
                  Spotify

                  We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

                  Follow The Lawdown on Twitter: @lawdownpodcast.

                  CM Murray is Ranked Tier 1 for Employment (Senior Executives) by Legal 500 UK 2023. ‘‘CM Murray is unique, even among employment law boutiques, in their strength and depth of experts and expertise. They simply cannot be beaten. They are formidable advocates for their clients.' (Legal 500 UK)

                  24 min
                4. Episode 24: Government “scraps the cap” for banker bonuses; the long and winding road to closing the gender pay gap; and the latest hiring and firing trends

                  We are delighted to share Episode 24 of The Lawdown, our regular podcast discussing the latest key employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories, and the interesting legal issues behind them.

                  In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partner Emma Bartlett and Senior Associates Wonu Sanda and Pooja Dasgupta discuss the following:

                  • The government’s pledge to scrap the current cap on banker bonuses, forming part of its ambitious deregulation plans for London’s financial industry in order to boost economic growth, including discussion around the potential employment law implications arising from this proposed shift;
                  • Hot on the heels of International Equal Pay Day, we look at the RSC’s appointment of its first female artistic director and reflect on what has been achieved and what is being done to address the gender pay gap globally; and
                  • The latest workplace hiring and firing trends going viral on social media and news outlets: “Quiet Quitting”; “fatFIRE”; and “Quiet Firing”, including a discussion regarding the ways in which these trends can impact employees, and how they should be managed by employers.

                    • We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

                    Follow The Lawdown on Twitter: @lawdownpodcast.

                    CM Murray is Ranked Tier 1 for Employment (Senior Executives) by Legal 500 UK 2023. ‘‘CM Murray is unique, even among employment law boutiques, in their strength and depth of experts and expertise. They simply cannot be beaten. They are formidable advocates for their clients.' (Legal 500 UK)

                    38 min
                  • Episode 23: Dina Asher-Smith’s call for more period sports science; RAF positive discrimination allegations; and the UK’s 4 day working week pilot

                    We are delighted to share Episode 23 of The Lawdown, our regular podcast discussing the latest key employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories, and the interesting legal issues behind them.

                    In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partner Emma Bartlett and Senior Associates Wonu Sanda and Pooja Dasgupta discuss the following:

                    • Dina Asher-Smith’s call for more research into the effect of periods on performance after her cycle caused her to suffer from cramp at the European Championships in Munich. We consider this issue both from a ‘women in sport’ perspective and also in a wider workplace context;
                    • Leaked allegations that the RAF’s head of recruitment refused to follow an order to prioritise women and ethnic minority candidates over white men on the basis that it constituted positive discrimination. We discuss the differences between positive action and positive discrimination, the conditions that must be met for positive action to be lawful and some of the pitfalls posed by the legislation; and
                    • The roll out of the UK’s four-day working week trial, including a discussion in relation to the advantages and disadvantages of a shorter working week and offering some practical suggestions as to how businesses might be able to make this a viable, long-term option.

                      • We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

                      35 min

                    About The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Welcome to The Lawdown, CM Murray LLP's regular podcast bringing you the legal news highlights, particularly those relating to employment, discrimination and partnership law and the UK courts.

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