Episode 22: Partygate, Sue Gray Report finale, 75k sensationalist compensation award and walkout over sexist speech at the Scottish Sports Award

The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

We are delighted to share Episode 22 of The Lawdown, our regular podcast discussing the latest key employment, discrimination and partnership law-related news stories, and the interesting legal issues behind them.

In this episode of The Lawdown, Partner Emma Bartlett and Senior Associates Wonu Sanda and Pooja Dasgupta delve into the legal and topical issues behind some recent headlines, including:

1. The concluding act to the Sue Gray report and the government’s Partygate saga. We examine what the report means for the prime minister, discuss the need for leadership and accountability to drive positive change in organisations and potential next steps.
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3. A £75k Employment Tribunal award won by a casino cashier for victimisation after reportedly not being invited to a work drinks night out by colleagues. We discuss the problems with sensationalist Tribunal award reporting; unpack the claims behind the headline and reason for the high award; and explore the importance of public hearings, open justice and accurate reporting.
4. A TV presenter walking out of an after-dinner speech at the Scottish Sports Awards over reported sexist, racist and homophobic “jokes”. We consider whether employers can be liable for third party harassment in similar cases, including the historical position and shocking past cases; action open to employees and employers to address third party harassment and proposed changes in the law; and the bystander effect and practising effective intervention.

We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at [e-mail] if you would like any information on the topics discussed or if you would like to suggest a story for us to cover in a future episode.

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