Olivia Norman

Employee awarded £256,000 in compensation following flawed disciplinary process and accusation of “playing the race card”: Lessons from Ahmed v United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Others

Managing staff complaints, workplace investigations and disciplinary processes fairly and reasonably is crucial for all organisations; not only to ensure …
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B Corp acquisitions: Preserving purpose through a change of ownership

For B Corps and other kinds of purpose-driven business, having an embedded purpose-beyond-profit provides a compass in times of change. …
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Bates Wells and Fashion Declares have collaborated on a Sustainable Fashion White Paper: The Future of Fashion Regulation in the UK

In recent years, there have been significant developments in sustainability legislation introduced by the European Union (EU) and United States …
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Bates Wells and Fair Game drive key improvements in Football Governance Bill as it advances in Parliament

The Football Governance Bill has received its first reading in the House of Commons, having passed through the House of …
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Balancing Flexible Working and Office Working: Lessons from Gill v BDW Trading Ltd

The Covid pandemic has left an indelible mark on the world of work; with flexible, hybrid working becoming the norm …
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Whistleblowing – A cautionary tale

We recently acted for the Royal College of Nursing assisting them successfully to defend an unfounded whistleblowing claim brought by …
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Asking a female employee why she wants to work can amount to harassment related to sex: Lessons from A Pereira v Wellington Antiques and Another

In the recent case of A Pereira v Wellington Antiques and Another, the Employment Tribunal looked at the issue of …
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Employment Rights Bill faces criticism in the House of Lords

On 27 March 2025, the Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”) passed its second reading in the House of Lords; after a …
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Regulating for growth – a new approach to an old idea?

“We’ve got to look at regulation across the piece, and where it is needlessly holding back investment… mark my words, …
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Increases in employment related statutory pay and compensation limits from 6 April 2025

From 6 April 2025, as is the case each year, the Government will be increasing the level of employment related …
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Does a lack of insight and remorse warrant dismissal? Lessons from Hewston v OFSTED [2025] EWCA Civ 250

In the recent case of Hewston v OFSTED [2025] EWCA Civ 250, the Court of Appeal looked at the question …
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The introduction of paid Statutory Neonatal Care Leave entitlement from 6 April 2025

From 6 April 2025, employees will benefit from a new statutory entitlement to paid leave, of up to 12 weeks, …
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