News & Events: Heather Platt
Pump Court Ranked recognised as Top Ranked Set in Chambers & Partners Guide
Pump Court Chambers has once again been recognised as a Leading Set within the latest edition of the Chambers and Partners Guide. The highly respected annual guide, released today, ranks both counsel and chambers based on the research of more than 170 full-time editors and researchers who talk to lawyers and clients all year round, […]
Mark Dubbery, Heather Platt and Paul Mertens appointed Deputy District Judges
Pump Court Chambers is delighted to announce that Mark Dubbery, Heather Platt and Paul Mertens have been appointed as Deputy District Judges, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. Heather and Paul have been appointed to sit on the South Eastern Circuit, with Mark sitting on […]
Former lecturer secures £168,000 payout
A former university lecturer represented by Heather Platt has been awarded £168,000 at remedy hearing before the Central London Employment Tribunal. Heather was instructed by Mohamed Bangura of Neal Turke Rochfort solicitors. They have worked together on numerous cases over 20 years. The award was made to Elizabeth Aylott, a former lecturer at BPP law […]
Anti-discrimination and harassment training
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has recently prescribed annual booster / refresher training for employers on Equality and Diversity in order to ensure that it is effective in eliminating harassment in the workplace. The EAT drew an analogy with the Covid-19 vaccination programme – ‘we are interested not only in whether the vaccine will be effective […]
Claimant awarded £45,000 in constructive unfair dismissal claim
Heather Platt has won £45,000 compensation for a direct access client who resigned from his job at HMRC after being accused of money laundering and benefit fraud. Heather represented the Claimant, Mr Hussain, in an unusual case of constructive unfair dismissal. Mr Hussain placed £10,000 in cash in the basement of HMRC building where he […]
Heather Platt successful in discrimination claim for autistic Lecturer
Heather Platt successfully represented the Claimant at the London Central Employment Tribunal in her claims of discrimination arising from disability and constructive unfair dismissal. The Claimant has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (“ASD” formerly known as Asperger’s) and anxiety and depression. The Tribunal held that: The Claimant’s managers were aware that she had a difficult home […]
Health and Safety in the Workplace during a Global Pandemic
Employers are grappling with the new normal as we slowly emerge from lockdown. This is an overview of employees’ rights and employer’s responsibilities regarding health and safety in the workplace and a section of the Employment Rights Act 1996 that has been waiting for its moment in the sun. The Employment Rights Act 1996 requires […]
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – further guidance
As expected, the government has issued further guidance in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“the Scheme”). This article will summarise the key updates since the guidance issued on 4 April 2020. The government has produced a number of documents to assist both employers and employees: Guidance for employers – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme Step-by-step guide on […]
The impact of Covid-19 on some high-profile businesses so far
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the UK government has introduced the following range of business support measures: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furloughing); Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme; Self-employment Income Support Scheme; Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (England only); Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure […]
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“the Scheme”) was announced by the government on 20th March 2020. The government’s published guidance states that “it is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.” The Scheme allows all UK employers to claim a […]
Employment Team – COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
These are unprecedented times and Chambers is seeing a significant increase in questions being raised by workers, employees, and employers alike. This post is intended to provide some outline guidance for the position as we see it, with links to useful information. It is not a substitute for formal legal advice – and if you […]
The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 – 100 years on
This year marks the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. This ground breaking Act of Parliament, which became law on 23 December 1919, allowed women to become Solicitors, Barristers, Magistrates and Jurors for the first time. The Act begins with the defining words “a person shall not be disqualified by sex or marriage […]