Alleged trade union prejudice led to successful claim for automatic unfair dismissal

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has found that an employee was automatically unfairly dismissed due to his trade union activities despite the fact that neither the manager conducting the disciplinary hearing, nor the manager who dismissed the appeal, were motivated by prejudice against the employee because of his union activities.

The employee, Mr Singh, was a gas engineer for Cadent Gas Limited with 29 years' unblemished service. He was involved with the trade union as a health and safety representative. He was called out to a gas leak in the early hours of the morning, and responded despite the fact he was over his contracted hours, hadn't eaten since the previous morning, and had only had two hours' sleep. He stopped on route to get something to eat and arrived at the call out one minute after the required response time.

Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy Reforms, what you need to know…

The Government is committed to delivering 300,000 new homes a year by the mid 2020s.  In order to make this goal a reality the Government implemented reforms, as of 01 September 2019, to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements.

In short it is hoped that these reforms will mean communities can see how ‘developer cash’ benefits them, speed up payments to councils and help building works start more quickly.

Is it Right to Shared Ownership or Wrong to Shared Ownership?   

Recently the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed the shared ownership Right to Buy plan.  Mr Jenrick’s plan is to allow tenants on new housing association stock to buy shares in their home allowing them to buy in 1% increments with the ability to increase the share over time up to full ownership of the property.  The government has stated that they will work with Registered Providers on a voluntary basis to decide what offer can be made to tenants living in existing property stock and if they can benefit from the ‘Right to Shared Ownership’ without the need to move.

Spotlight on...

Cathy Lord

Job Description

I work as a Paralegal in the Home Ownership Team within the Housing and Regeneration (Property) Department dealing primarily with Right to Buy and Acquire transactions, resales and freehold and leasehold enquires on behalf of a number of Registered Providers. Our department works closely with other departments, in particular the Housing Litigation Department enabling us to offer a more comprehensive service and be able to respond to various issues our clients may encounter. Forbes prides itself on being one team, which really is the case!

Prior to joining the Home Ownership Team I worked as a Paralegal in the Residential Conveyancing Department dealing with sales, purchases, transfers of equity, gifts and re-mortgages. I also have Commercial Property experience.

Describe yourself in three words

Friendly, motivated and approachable.

What do colleagues say are your best qualities

That I am approachable and always happy to help where I can and will always go the extra mile (which is quite apt as I am training for the Edinburgh marathon in May 2020).

Favourite holiday destination

As a "big kid" I would love to visit Santa and his reindeers in the North Pole at Christmas. I would also like to go to New York on a Christmas shopping trip. As you can see I LOVE Christmas!