Fall in workplace deaths

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show a drop in the number of workplace deaths, most likely due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) during the last two months of the economic year.

Criminal charge

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has held in Lafferty v Nuffield Health that it is reasonable for an employer to dismiss an employee because their reputation might be damaged as a result of criminal allegations made against the employee, even if they have not been convicted. However, there has to be a connection between the allegations and the potential for suffering damage.

Compensation lump sum

In indirect discrimination claims, tribunals have to decide what was the “relevant treatment” meted out to the claimant and whether it was unfavourable. In Chief Constable of Gwent Police v Parsons and Roberts, the Employment Appeal Tribunal held that it was unfavourable treatment to cap the compensation lump sum to which the two disabled police officers were entitled.