Employment

Tom qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and has experience acting for both claimants and respondents equally. Throughout his career, Tom has been instructed to act and advise both for and against some of the largest organisations in the country, often in complicated or high-value claims and across a variety of fields with emphasis on the commercial sector.

As a former solicitor, Tom understands the value and assistance of early involvement of counsel, and is happy to advise and assist at any stage of a case.

EMPLOYMENT WORK

He has particular experience in whistleblowing, TUPE and discrimination (in particular disability and pregnancy discrimination) claims, although he is accomplished in all areas of employment law.

Tom regularly appears in the employment tribunals and has experience in the Employment Appeal Tribunal where he undertakes written work and advocacy.

Recent experience

• Successfully represented ‘transferee‘ employer contesting the application of TUPE at a four-day preliminary hearing in £300,000 claim brought by 18 claimants.
• Represented a multi-academy trust in 10-day trial of whistleblowing detriment, sex and race discrimination, and unfair constructive dismissal claims. Read the judgment here.
• Successfully represented a sports governing body in a claim, taking place over a five-day trial, relating to the employment status of the Head Coach of numerous national squads.
• Successfully represented a former managing director in a three-day unfair dismissal claim (which included a whistleblowing claim) against the UK business of a global manufacturer. Read the judgment here.
• Acted in a ‘landmark’ case on the employment status of a hairdresser, which was reported nationally on the BBC, the ‘I’ and the Daily Mail, and locally in the Manchester Evening News. The case is also referenced in the IDS Employment Law Handbook on Contracts of Employment.
• Successfully applied for strike-out of numerous disability discrimination claims on the basis of them having no reasonable prospects of success on behalf of the largest further education college in the country.
• Represented one of the largest food producers in the country in successfully defeating all claims (six) brought by a disabled former employee arising from premises relocation. Read the judgment here.
• Acted for global software analytics company in six-figure disability discrimination claim brought by former Vice President of Sales.
• Acted for senior building surveyor against UK body of long-established international humanitarian charity at three-day trial.
• Acted for one of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts in securing strike-out of post-employment victimisation claim.
• Acted for one of the country’s largest combined further and higher education providers at three-day unfair redundancy and age discrimination trial. Read the judgment here.
• Represented claimant at five-day trial against national charity in claim for failure to make reasonable adjustments for complex trauma disability, harassment, and discriminatory redundancy dismissal.
• Successfully represented national disability charity in claim brought by former Registered Manager relating to safeguarding and medication management.
• Advised consultant radiologist on whistleblowing claim arising from the death of a patient.
• Acted for long-serving manager against national retail chain.
• Successfully represented national tyre-fitting outfit at five-day trial of six-figure whistleblowing claim brought by former CEO. Read the judgment here.
• Represented successful claimant in four-day whistleblowing detriment/unfair dismissal claim.  The claimant was awarded £31,000, which included aggravated damages of £10,000. Read the judgment here.
• Successfully represented a multi-academy trust in an unfair dismissal claim whose final hearing took place over six days. You can read the judgment here.
• Represented a housing association in its successful defence, after a five-day final hearing, of unfair dismissal, disability and age discrimination claims. Read the judgment here.
• Represented both a local authority and national charity in a two-day preliminary hearing concerned with the application of TUPE to two claimants. The tribunal agreed that TUPE did not apply.
• Represented respondent fast-food outlet in four-day whistleblowing (health and safety) detriment and constructive dismissal claim and acted in claimant’s subsequent appeal to the EAT.
• Conducted appeal to the EAT on behalf of a claimant in relation to the application of ss.114 and 117 Employment Rights Act 1996 where former employer required repayment of balance of ex gratia sum on reinstatement.
• Represented claimant in four-day trial claiming whistleblowing relating to presence of cocaine on children’s nursery premises. The case was covered by the Manchester Evening News.

DISCRIMINATION WORK

Tom uses his experience in discrimination claims to undertake civil disputes in the County and High Court where the Equality Act is engaged. He advises and represents individuals, businesses and social housing providers to bring or defend claims for discrimination.

Recent experience

• Acted for shop customer in disability discrimination claim following his ‘removal‘ from a store where he was accompanied by his son but, in so being, breached the store’s social distancing policy of a maximum number of customers.

• Acted for leisure centre in defending breastfeeding discrimination in which summary judgment was awarded in favour of the defendant. The claim was reported in the Daily Mail after it had been issued.

LEGAL DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATIONS

“He is really fast and very thorough in his advice.” Chambers UK Bar 2021 – Up and Coming

“Incredibly smart, practical and down to earth with clients. A lovely wit that helped lighten the often tense atmosphere whilst waiting at tribunal! Excellent client care skills and builds trust from the moment of meeting. Highly recommended.” Legal 500 2021 – Rising Star

Public Access

Tom is accredited to receive instructions directly from members of the public through the Public Access Scheme.

Click here to view our Public Access pages and details of the process for instructing public access accredited barristers.