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7. Neurodiversity in the Workplace
44:08||Season 1, Ep. 7In this episode of the Civil Law Podcast, Louisa Simpson speaks with Kira Mountain, specialist Employment Solicitor at Trethowans, about neurodiversity in the workplace. A fitting topic, as 17-23 March 2025 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Kira and Louisa discuss some of the different conditions falling under the umbrella term ‘neurodiversity’; how and when these might meet the definition of a ‘disability’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010; and the relevance and importance of that in terms of having various legal rights and protections in the workplace. Finally, Kira and Louisa consider a handful of cases which look at and give insight into neurodiversity as it relates to misconduct or capability concerns, and job application processes - both in the workplace and in the Tribunal. Cases discussed include:Kumulchew v Starbucks Coffee Company UK Ltd 2301217/2014Borg-Neal v Lloyds Banking Group 2202267/2022McQueen v General Optical Council [2023] EAT 36South Staffordshire & Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust v Billingsley [2016] UKEAT/0341/15/DMAecom v Mallon [2023] EAT 104Rackham v Judicial Appointments Commission 3303706/2020 Louisa Simpson is one of the Civil Law Podcast’s regular co-hosts, a barrister at Pump Court Chambers specialising in Employment, Discrimination and Professional Regulation, including Sport. Kira Mountain is a Solicitor specialising in Employment Law at Trethowans Solicitors, supporting both individuals and businesses at all stages of their employment disputes, as well as in acquisitions. Please do leave any feedback you have, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with queries, or regarding suggestions for topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes: civpod@pumpcourtchambers.com
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6. Litigation in a foreign language
27:34||Season 1, Ep. 6Tim Salisbury is joined in this episode by Oliver Foy to discuss the practical and procedural issues facing litigants, legal representatives and the court in cases involving litigants who are speakers of other languages. They discuss the law and relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and also the practical steps a party’s legal representatives, both solicitors and counsel, can take to ensure that speakers of other languages are not disadvantaged during the litigation process and their case put in its best light.5. Compulsory ADR in Civil Disputes?
32:58||Season 1, Ep. 5Host Timothy Salisbury is joined by Antonia Ford to discuss mediation in the context of civil litigation. They also discuss the recent case of James Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council [2023] EWCA Civ 1416 in which the Court of Appeal confirmed that the civil courts have the power to stay proceedings and require the parties to consider undertaking a form of alternative dispute resolution. Timothy and Antonia consider how this judgment might affect various types of civil cases in the future, including those involving allegations of fundamental dishonesty and fraud. A copy of the judgment in the case of James Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council [2023] EWCA Civ 1416 can be found here: https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/james-churchill-v-merthyr-tydfil-county-borough-council/ The Pump Court Chambers New Practitioners’ webinar series referenced in this episode can be found here: https://www.pumpcourtchambers.com/tag/the-new-practitioner-series/4. Personal Injury and Injury to Feelings in the Employment Tribunal
32:00||Season 1, Ep. 4This Episode, Louisa Simpson speaks with Pump Court’s Emma Sole about all things Personal Injury in the Employment Tribunal. Topics include in what circumstances one might consider seeking damages for PI in the ET (and not the civil courts), the cross-over with Injury to Feelings awards, medical evidence, directions and case management. Whilst this podcast is intended as a helpful guide, without too much reference to authorities, one that is particularly relevant to know about in this area is De Keyser Ltd v Wilson [2001] IRLR 324 EAT, which sets out the expected steps, between the parties, in a case where a medical expert might need to be instructed in a claim in front of the Tribunal.3. Disclosure in inquests
18:36||Season 1, Ep. 3This episode, Timothy Salisbury speaks to Pump Court’s Shona Love about disclosure in inquests, including how coroners approach sensitive and classified material.2. Relying on the findings of other bodies in professional regulatory proceedings
25:55||Season 1, Ep. 2One of our three regular hosts, Louisa Simpson, speaks with Pump Court’s Tim Akers about evidence in professional regulatory proceedings – in particular relying on the findings of other bodies: if and when it is admissible, and if so for what purposes. To get in touch with us, for any feedback, queries or suggestions of topics you would like to hear covered in future episodes, please email us at: civpod@pumpcourtchambers.com1. Pump Court Chambers Civil Law Podcast - Season 1 Episode 1
43:02||Season 1, Ep. 1Introducing The Civil Law Podcast from Pump Court Chambers, a new podcast covering topics of interest from across the civil jurisdiction.In this first episode, the regular hosts, Timothy Salisbury, Louisa Simpson, and Chris Stead, discuss three significant recent cases in the civil law sphere:Majid Ali v HSF Logistics Polska SP Zoo [2023] EWHC 2159 (KB) – on illegality defences in credit hire claims;R (on the application of ASLEF and ors) v Secretary of State for Business and Trade [2023] EWHC 1781 (Admin) – on the use of agency workers to cover striking staff; andFXF v English Karate Federation Ltd [2023] EWCA Civ 891 – on the application of the Denton test (for relief from sanctions) to an application to set aside.