The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Lawdown, CM Murray LLP's regular podcast bringing you the legal news highlights, particularly those relating to employment, discrimination and partnership law and the UK courts. More information on the issues discussed and knowledge on a wide range of topics can be found at our website - https://www.cm-murray.com/ or please contact info@cm-murray.com for more information or to send us a story you would like us to talk about. We hope you enjoy The Lawdown! We would really appreciate a rating or review on your platform of choice – it helps others discover the podcast.

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53 recent

October 29, 202625 min

Black Hair Discrimination in the Workplace: The Lawdown Black History Month Special with Jerelle Jules

In this special Black History Month edition of The Lawdown, Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett are joined by Jerelle Jules to explore Black hair discrimination in the workplace and the role employers can play in creating genuinely inclusive working environments. We first discussed Jerelle Jules’ story on The Lawdown in 2023, after he received a grooming policy ahead of a job interview at The Ritz London which prohibited ‘unusual hairstyles’ including ‘afro style’ (which is his natural hair). Jerelle withdrew his application as he was so taken aback. The Ritz subsequently apologised and explained the policy was ‘outdated’. Three years on, Jerelle Jules joins us to reflect on his experience and explore the wider issues surrounding Black hair discrimination, workplace grooming policies and the protections available under the Equality Act 2010. In this episode, they discuss: Black hair and the Equality Act 2010: how existing protections against race discrimination can apply to discriminatory grooming and appearance policies, and whether greater or more explicit legal protection is needed. What does “professional” look like?: how apparently neutral dress and grooming requirements can disproportionately affect particular racial or ethnic groups, and why employers should consider the assumptions underpinning their policies. The case for change: whether progress should come through changes to the Equality Act, clearer guidance from the EHRC or ACAS, or employers taking the lead by reviewing their own policies and practices. The wider impact of hair discrimination: how attitudes towards Black hair can begin at school and continue into working life, influencing how people present themselves and whether they feel able to be themselves at work. Subscribe to The Lawdown: All episodes of The Lawdown are available on various podcast platforms – please click below to subscribe and listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify We hope you enjoy this special episode. If you have a moment to rate or review it on your platform of choice, we’d really appreciate it - it helps others discover the podcast. Please do email us at info@cm-murray.com 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.

October 5, 202633 min

Duty of Care, Neurodiversity, Parental Leave Discrimination and Leadership Lessons from FIFA - Episode 52

In this episode, Partners Emma Bartlett and Beth Hale and Senior Associates, Wonu Sanda and Kelsey Murrell , discuss: A coroner's finding that a Treasury employee's death was materially contributed to by her employer's failure to clarify that she would keep her job even if an allegation against her was proven. We consider what this means for how employers communicate sensitive allegations, the duty of care owed to vulnerable employees, and support for colleagues affected by a workplace death. Channel 4's documentary The Great ADHD Myth and the employment law implications of the debate it has sparked. We discuss why medical diagnosis isn't required to trigger the duty to make reasonable adjustments, the value of occupational health evidence, and the importance of relying on medical guidance rather than personal views when assessing disability. A Goldman Sachs senior vice president awarded £1.45 million after succeeding in sex discrimination and unfair dismissal claims, having been placed at risk of redundancy while on parental leave. We look at what the case shows about stereotyping men who take parental leave, and why comments dismissing childcare difficulties can prove costly. FIFA president Gianni Infantino's swiftly retracted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, and the backlash that followed. We discuss what it demonstrates about the importance of bringing people with you when delivering unwelcome change, and the risks of announcing major decisions without consultation. All 52 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click below to subscribe and listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify We hope you enjoy our latest episode. If you have a moment to rate or review it on your platform of choice, we’d really appreciate it - it helps others discover the podcast. Please do email us at info@cm-murray.com 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. CM Murray LLP is ranked for Employment (Employers) by Legal 500 UK 2026: “Employment work is at the heart of CM Murray LLP.”

July 16, 202622 min

Parental Leave, Burnout, Succession Planning and Star Performers - World Cup Special ⚽

Listen to this World Cup special edition 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. England may be out of the World Cup, but the tournament still provides some interesting lessons for employers. In this episode, Partner and General Counsel Beth Hale and Associate Mitchell Blythe discuss: Parental leave and workplace culture - Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku's decision to temporarily leave the World Cup for the birth of his child, and what the reaction tells us about attitudes towards paternity leave, shared parenting and gender equality. Hasty dismissals and succession planning - Tunisia's decision to sack their manager Sabri Lamouchi after just one World Cup match, and the lessons for employers on avoiding knee-jerk decisions, following fair processes and planning for organisational change. Burnout, wellbeing and high performers - The growing demands placed on elite footballers and what employers can learn about managing workloads, spotting burnout risks and supporting employee wellbeing. The 'star employee' dilemma - Whether building a team around one standout performer creates risks for morale, resilience and succession planning, both in sport and in the workplace. We hope you enjoy our latest episode. If you have a moment to rate or review it on your platform of choice, we’d really appreciate it - it helps others discover the podcast. Please do email us at info@cm-murray.com 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.

May 5, 202622 min

Episode 50: Met Police Misconduct, AI Bias and the Importance of Speaking Up at Work

In this episode, Partners, Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett , and Senior Associate, Gabrielle Lintott , discuss: An Employment Tribunal decision in which a Metropolitan Police worker with ADHD who had made inappropriate sexual comments in the workplace succeeded in an unfair dismissal claim because of procedural failures by the Police, including failure to properly consider medical evidence. This follows a string of cases where employers have been criticised for not properly taking medical evidence and reasonable adjustments required into account when managing performance, disciplinary and other workplace issues. A recent advertising campaign featuring the ‘AI employee’ – a woman who ‘outworks everyone’ and will ‘never ask for a raise’ – which has sparked controversy for its promotion of sexist stereotypes. We consider the role of AI in shaping access to different industries and roles. Sir Olly Robbins’ dismissal from the Foreign Office and the learnings we can take from that story. We discuss this and the importance of encouraging people to speak up in the workplace, including where they have made a mistake.

December 5, 202519 min

Episode 49 From Football Fields and Ballrooms to Boardrooms

In this episode Partners, Beth Hale , and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Kelsey Murrell , discuss recent news stories through the lens of employment and partnership law: 1. Managing Talent vs. Team Culture · We consider the recent behaviour of footballer Jude Bellingham and use it as a springboard to consider how employers should balance individual talent with team cohesion. · We discuss the importance of managing high performers who may disrupt workplace culture, and the growing willingness of organisations to prioritise values and conductover individual rainmakers. 2. Toxic Workplace Culture and Discrimination · We review the most recent findings from the COVID inquiry, focusing on allegations of a toxic and sexist workplace culture at senior government levels. · The discussion focuses on the importance of strong leadership, effective whistleblowing policies, and the risks of ignoring or enabling toxic conduct in the workplace. 3. The Importance of Effective Succession Planning · The departure of Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prompts a discussion on succession planning in business. · We consider how poor planning can lead to clumsy conversations and an increased risk of claims, and why organisations should approach succession proactively andfairly.

September 22, 202525 min

Episode 48: Nestlé CEO Romance Fallout; Sleeping in Sauna Tribunal Win; When Workplace Insults Cross the Line & Calls to Make Parliament More Accessible

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners, Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett , and Associate, Gabrielle Lintott , discuss: Nestle’s recent dismissal of its chief executive for apparently failing to disclose a romantic relationship with an employee. We discuss the topic of workplace relationships and how they might be managed by employers in order to promote a safe and transparent workplace culture. ‘ Exec hauled over coals for sleeping in sauna wins tribunal case ’. This headline grabber concerns a recent Employment Tribunal decision, Ms. S. Burns v Gitpod GMBH and others . We discuss the executive’s claims of sex discrimination, disability discrimination and a failure to make reasonable adjustments in the context of their dismissal shortly following an off-site work event. Headlines that an Employment Tribunal’s ruling that the dismissal of an employee who called their boss a ‘dickhead’ was unlawful. We discuss the importance of acting reasonably as an employer and carefully considering whether an employee’s behaviour is sufficient to constitute gross misconduct, even where inappropriate behaviour may have arisen in the workplace. Marie Tidball MP’s call to make the Parliament building more accessible to her and other disabled members of Parliament. We discuss the importance of considering where reasonable adjustments to premises and services in the workplace are required in order to prevent discrimination, remove barriers and promote access and inclusion. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! We would really appreciate a rating or review on your platform of choice - it helps others discover the podcast. Please do email us at info@cm-murray.com 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.

August 5, 202529 min

Episode 47: Coldplay Concert Controversy; Proposed NDA Ban; and the Biting Law Firm Intern

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Emma Bartlett , Emma Sangeelee and Rachael Parker discuss the following: The viral moment the US based Tech Company Astronomer’s CEO was caught on the Jumbo screen at a Coldplay concert embracing his Chief People Officer somewhat romantically. It is reported that both the CEO in question and the Chief People Officer have since resigned. We discuss the important employment-based issues a relationship between two very senior employees such as this raises. We ask what impact does a relationship like this have on a culture of a business, particularly as employers are being burdened with additional duties to protect their employees from harassment. The newly-announced prospective ban on non-disclosure agreements in instances of discrimination and harassment. We discuss what the practical implications may be and the conflicting view as to whether this is a step in the right direction to prevent the improper silencing of victims, or whether this removes a valuable bargaining tool for individuals seeking to settle such matters. A summer intern at a US based global law firm was expelled following a series of reports that they had bitten upwards of 10 colleagues. What considerations are there for employers who encounter an employee behaving in such unacceptable manner in the workplace? Click here to view Gwyneth Paltrow's 60-second 'Thank you for your interest in Astronomer' clip mentioned in this podcast episode - an inspired PR response to a corporate workplace crisis.

July 1, 202514 min

Episode 46: Autistic Children's Centre Worker Subjected to Derogatory Comments by Manager, and Employment Tribunal Rules that Sighing at a Colleague Could be Deemed Discriminatory

In our latest episode of The Lawdown , Senior Associate Yulia Fedorenko and Partners Emma Bartlett and Beth Hale discuss the following: An autistic worker at a children’s centre who was subject to derogatory comments by his boss in Wrexham, Wales. We discuss the nuances of protected characteristics, and the use of certain terminology and language in the workplace. The employment tribunal ruling that nonverbal expressions of disappointment - such as sighing at colleagues - can be considered discriminatory and highlights the importance of self-awareness in the workplace. This follows a successful disability discrimination case, brought by a software engineer with ADHD, against Roke Manor Research. The case emphasises the need for all employees to be mindful of their mannerisms in the workplace and for employers to promote respectful communication, while keeping reasonable adjustments in mind in order to support neurodiverse colleagues. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com 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.

April 11, 202519 min

Episode 45: University of Sussex fined for not upholding Freedom of Speech; Ben & Jerry’s CEO removed for promotion of political views; Citi Bank Assistant VP settles maternity discrimination claim

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.

March 17, 202542 min

Episode 44: Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment; Luis Rubiales convicted of sexual assault after 2023 Women’s World Cup win; US driven rollback on DEI

In our latest episode of The Lawdown , Emma Bartlett , Sarah Chilton , Wonu Sanda and first-time contributor Liz Pearson discuss the following: Sam Kerr (a high profile Australian and Chelsea football player) being found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment. We dig deeper into the circumstances that led to the criminal prosecution and the context behind the headlines. We also consider whether Kerr’s actions would meet the test for harassment under employment law. Luis Rubiales (former president of the Spanish Football Federation) convicted of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We discuss the importance of recognising for the purposes of unlawful harassment in an employment context, what might be “sexual harassment” or harassment “related to sex” and importantly what is “unwanted conduct”. The US government led rollback on diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes and the big multinational companies following suit; we interrogate the potential assumptions and drivers behind the change in approach and consider whether and how companies operating in the UK may be affected. We hope you enjoy our latest episode! Please do like, share and subscribe to receive the latest episodes. Please get in touch by emailing us at info@cm-murray.com 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.