Chambers Blog

The European Court of Justice has now handed down its judgment in the employment law case of Coleman v Attridge Law. This is where a non-disabled employee claimed disability discrimination based on being harassed due to her having a disabled son.

The court has confirmed that this ‘associative' discrimination is prohibited by the Equal Treatment directive. This applies for all forms of discrimination.

When a court decides on whether or not the decision can have effect under the UK's Disability Discrimination Act, or when the government amends the Act, this will be of considerable advantage to employees needing flexibility and time off work to care for disabled dependants.

Written by Joseph Neville, Barrister at New Walk Chambers, specialising in Employment Law.

BERR has launched a consultation on extending the classes of people who may advise upon and sign off compromise agreements. The proposal is to add members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development - the representative body for HR professionals. The consultation can be found here.

Currently a compromise agreement must usually be signed off by a qualified lawyer. New Walk Chambers has several barristers specialising in employment law who can provide expert advice on compromise agreements, with nationwide coverage. In the event that you are advised to sign the compromise agreement, then your legal costs usually will be paid by your employer. Please see our full page on compromise agreements for details.

Written by Joseph Neville, Barrister at New Walk Chambers, specialising in Employment Law and Compromise agreements.