Government Legal Department Vacancies

Government Legal Department Vacancies

One teacher, two jobs

Alexandra Addington looks at a recent disciplinary hearing concerning a teacher who phoned in sick to work at a different school, and considers what steps schools and colleges can take if they suspect a staff member of moonlighting. Read more

  NEWS

Jun 09, 2025

ICO launches AI and biometrics strategy

The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a new AI and biometrics strategy in a bid to ensure organisations are developing and deploying new technologies lawfully.

  FEATURES AND ANALYSIS

May 29, 2025

Is overheard 'banter' harassment?

Over the recent weeks, there have been concerns raised about the reintroduction of employer liability for third-party harassment of staff. It can be easy to dismiss the concerns as alarmist, but there are important issues for employers in this new liability, write Michael Brownlee and Libby Hubbard.
May 21, 2025

How do you protect your staff from parental aggression and abuse?

Teachers often choose their profession driven by a desire to positively shape and inspire future generations. However, they are increasingly encountering abuse from parents, both in person and online. Alexandra Addington looks at the legal options for addressing the issue.
May 09, 2025

LGPS contribution rate adjustments – what is the actuary’s role?

Earlier this year the Kensington & Chelsea Borough Pension Fund caused something of a stir by setting a zero employer contribution rate against the advice of its actuary. But what exactly is the role of the actuary when it comes to contribution rate adjustments between valuations?
April 18, 2025

Job applicants and whistleblowing

Fergus McCombie and Louisa Simpson consider a recent Court of Appeal case concerning whether job applicants are entitled to whistleblower protection.
April 15, 2025

Staff misconduct and employment policies

Alexandra Addington looks at the lessons to be learned from a recent Court of Appeal ruling that without a 'no touching' policy it was unfair to dismiss an Ofsted inspector for brushing rain off pupil.

Sponsored Editorial

Unlocking legal talent

Jonathan Bourne of Damar Training sets out why in-house council teams and law firms should embrace apprenticeships.

  MORE NEWS

Mar 06, 2025

4-5 Gray’s Inn Square adds further six employment barristers

A further six barristers specialising in employment law are to join 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, it has been confirmed. The new arrivals are: Richard O’Dair (1988 call) Raoul Downey (1988 call) Terence Finn (1995 call) Sheila Aly (2002 call), Lorraine Mensah (1997 call) Anna Loutfi (2019 call) and Jimmy Ogunshakin (2022 call). They will join as full tenants from Monday next week. On Monday the set…
Mar 04, 2025

Disclosure and Barring Service entitled to come to different conclusion than Teachers Regulation Agency, Court of Appeal rules

The Court of Appeal has unanimously dismissed a former teacher’s appeal against a finding by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) that he had developed an “inappropriate relationship” with a pupil - and therefore would be precluded from being a teacher - despite a separate TRA disciplinary panel finding he was not guilty of professional misconduct.
Feb 18, 2025

Wiltshire Council to ditch appeal against employment tribunal judgment

Wiltshire Council is to withdraw an appeal against a finding by an Employment Tribunal that an email sent by the local authority’s chief executive to union members ahead of a vote on industrial action was unlawful as it sought to deter union members from voting in favour of a strike.
Dec 10, 2024

Birmingham on verge of settling equal pay claims

Birmingham City Council has reached a framework agreement with UNISON and GMB to settle historic equal pay claims made by members working for the local authority and Birmingham Children's Trust.

  MORE FEATURES

February 26, 2025

TUPE transfers: I object! Yes, but why?

Hannah Bollard provides some practical tips for employers on how to deal with cases where an employee objects to being transferred under TUPE.
February 26, 2025

Protected beliefs and the Equality Act 2010

An employment tribunal recently ruled that belief in the ability to predict the future is not protected, but, asks Jackie Morris, should we have seen that coming?
February 19, 2025

A widening of worker status?

Charlotte Tosti analyses a landmark case in the Employment Tribunal over the question of whether foster carers are “workers” and can bring claims in the employment tribunal.
February 19, 2025

From classroom to spa

A headteacher was recently given a green light to stay in the profession despite going on a school-time retreat. Alexandra Addington looks at the decision.
February 13, 2025

Whistleblowing: Detriment and Dismissal Cases

In the second session of 42BR's Autumn/Winter Employment Series, Nick Bidnell-Edwards and Safia Tharoo provide a concise review of whistleblowing law for detriment and dismissal claims, including recent developments, followed by practical tips on how to bring and to defend the claims.
January 29, 2025

Engaging with all allegations

In a recent case, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has highlighted the importance of addressing all issues identified in a list of issues, including those not originally pleaded, writes Michael Halsey.
December 17, 2024

Comments about accents

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that comments about an employee's accent can amount to race-related harassment under the Equality Act 2010, even without evidence of discriminatory intent. Alastair Fatemi analyses the judgment.
December 17, 2024

Raising new substantive arguments at appeal stage

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled in a case involving a local authority that it would not be in the interests of justice to allow a claimant to raise a new argument on appeal, despite acknowledging an error in the Tribunal’s decision. Gareth Edwards explains why.
November 22, 2024

LGPS fund management reforms

The Government has announced the creation of pension ‘megafunds’. Mark Radford looks at the key points.
November 15, 2024

Fire and re-hire: increased protective awards

The Government has revived a draft order on increased protective awards for failures to follow the statutory Code of Practice. Georgia Blesson looks at what this means for employers.