The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

Hosted by CM Murray LLP

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May 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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50 recent

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.

February 10, 202529 min

Episode 43: 200 companies adopt 4-day week; Lord Rose dismisses working from home; Rashford criticised by manager; should lawyers join BBC’s "The Traitors"?

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Wonu Sanda discuss the following:200 companies implement a permanent 4-day week and Tokyo’s 4-day working week plans to increase the fertility rate. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a 4-day week without a reduction in pay, including the potential impact on productivity and possible overworking; flexibility for caring responsibilities; and reducing personal expenditure. Lord Rose claims working from home is not proper work. We dive into whether there is any truth to this claim, the considerations for neurodiverse individuals and other diversity needs; and our views on adopting working from home, office working and the hybrid model in different circumstances. Marcus Rashford and other players publicly criticised by their managers. We consider how publicly undermining staff can impact performance and confidence, reflect poorly on a workplace’s culture and give rise to potential legal liability for employers. Can/should lawyers compete on the BBC’s hit show “The Traitors”? We discuss whether competing would breach regulatory standards and whether lawyers would be stereotyped and “banished” early on. All 43 episodes are available on various podcast platforms – please click below to listen and subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyWe 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.

December 12, 202436 min

Episode 42: Unemployed may get weight-loss jabs; BBC workplace culture review; Benjamin Mendy's claim for £11.5M in unpaid wages

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The suggestion by the Government to give overweight people weight-loss jabs to help them get back to work and the potential disability discrimination issues that may arise. The BBC’s commencement of an independent workplace culture review, with particular focus on the stated aims of the review and the effectiveness of such reviews. Benjamin Mendy’s claim against his former club, Manchester City, for £11.5 million in unpaid wages, the majority of which was upheld by the Tribunal. We discuss the reason the claim was upheld, comparison with the continued payment of Huw Edwards’ salary after his arrest, and how employers should manage a situation where an employee has been charged with a criminal offence. We have also included an “addendum” at the end of this episode, in the wake of the allegations against Gregg Wallace which broke just after we recorded this episode. We felt it would be remiss not to mention these, but stay tuned as we will discuss this story in further depth in our next episode. 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.

October 2, 202429 min

Episode 41: Allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed; Huw Edwards repaying his salary; the “The Dad Shift” campaign to promote paternity leave

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Partners Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale and Associate Kia Aoki discuss the following: The allegations of rape and sexual assault against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed. We discuss how organisations should deal with a powerful personality, as well as the extent to which due diligence on a company before it is acquired can bring to light historic sexual assault claims. The latest developments in relation to former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards and the recent calls for him to return the salary he received from the BBC after his arrest. The campaign run by a group called “The Dad Shift”, which involved statues of famous men such as Thierry Henry and Laurence Olivier having model babies in slings attached to them. The campaign brought attention to the paternity leave entitlements in the UK, which are the worst in Europe. We consider how these poor entitlements impact other areas, including the gender pay gap and societal perceptions of men and women. 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.