In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Wonu Sanda, Emma Bartlett, and Beth Hale discuss the following:
- The treatment of a professor at the University of Sussex, after she was accused of transphobia and subsequently left the University; this dispute led to the University being issued a fine of £585,000 for failing to uphold Freedom of Speech. We also consider the facts of Higgs v Farmer, to give context in an employment law scenario.
- Ben & Jerry’s parent company, Unilever, removed CEO David Stever due to political views which Ben & Jerry’s advertise as part of their brand ethos. We discuss the impact on Freedom of Speech and the implication of protected characteristics as an employee in the UK.
- An Assistant Vice President of Citi Bank who sued for maternity discrimination after a promotion was given to her maternity cover, resulting in a settlement for over £200,000 in Northern Ireland. This is a common scenario seen in the employment law sphere, and an important story for employers to consider their treatment of employees on maternity leave.
