Stress in the Workplace

When Hot Desking Gets Employers into Hot Water  In this episode, David Hossack and Clare McDairmant discuss the Employment Tribunal case McGrath v Bupa Insurance Services Limited, exploring whether issues surrounding an employee's preferred fixed desk in a hot-desking workplace amounted to disability-related harassment. They consider the Tribunal's decision and highlight practical lessons for employers on reasonable adjustments, clear communication, proactive management and the risks of relying on informal workspace arrangements. MFMac's Employment team advises employers on disability discrimination, reasonable adjustments, workplace policies and employee relations. Combining technical expertise with practical, commercially focused advice, the team helps organisations navigate workplace challenges and reduce the risk of costly disputes.

In this episode of the MFMac Employment Podcast, David Hossack and Alan Delaney discuss a new independent expert panel report on neurodiversity in the workplace and what its recommendations mean for employers. They explore how organisations can create more neuroinclusive workplaces, support neurodivergent employees, implement effective reasonable adjustments and reduce the risk of employment tribunal claims. The discussion covers practical steps employers can take to improve workplace inclusion for people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodivergent conditions, including accessible recruitment practices, workplace design, manager training and a needs-based approach to support. David and Alan also examine the employment law implications of neurodiversity, highlighting how proactive adjustments and inclusive workplace cultures can improve employee wellbeing, performance and retention while helping employers manage legal risk. Learn more about MFMac here.

In this episode of the MFMac Employment Podcast, David Hossack speaks with Sarah Hanson of Interactifs about how better workplace conversations, social intelligence and clear communication can build trust, strengthen employment relationships and help prevent conflict. Sarah shares practical tips for managers, HR professionals and business leaders on preparing for difficult conversations, listening effectively and using constructive language to improve communication in the workplace.

In this episode, David Hossack and Alan Delaney discuss how AI is changing the workplace and the employment law issues that come with it. From workplace policies and recruitment to data protection and dispute resolution, they explore the opportunities, risks and practical steps employers should be taking now.

From 1 October, new right to work check requirements will affect employers, contractors and supply chains across the UK. David Hossack and Stuart McWilliams discuss the changes, the risks of non-compliance, and the practical steps businesses should take now to avoid costly penalties and protect their position.

In this podcast, host David Hossack and Fiona Meek, Senior Associate at MFMac, discuss a recent employment tribunal case in which an employee who misgendered a colleague successfully argued that the way in which the employer treated her after the incident amounted to disability discrimination.

In this employment law podcast, David Hossack is joined by Jenny Dickson, Chair of MFMac and a leading personal injury lawyer, to explore the interplay between employment and personal injury claims arising from workplace stress and situations where employers may be said to have caused or contributed to that stress.

David Hossack talks to Sarah Gilzean about the forthcoming requirement for employers with 250 or more employees to publish Gender Equality Action Plans. They discuss how employers can address the gender pay gap, support employees experiencing menopause, and prepare for mandatory reporting requirements ahead of the first publication deadline in April 2028. The episode explores the practical steps organisations can take now, including analysing workforce data, engaging with employees, identifying meaningful actions and preparing for future reporting obligations. MFMac's Employment Law team supports employers on gender pay gap reporting, workplace equality and wider employment law issues, helping organisations prepare for regulatory change and build effective workplace policies.

In this bonus episode of our Employment and Immigration series, host David Hossack is joined by Stuart McWilliams and employment and immigration lawyer Lily Braunholtz to discuss recent Employment Tribunal decisions involving sponsored workers. They explore fair dismissal where sponsorship cannot continue, the discrimination risks associated with salary increases to meet visa requirements, and why workforce planning is becoming increasingly important for employers. The episode also provides practical guidance on managing sponsorship obligations, salary thresholds and changing immigration rules.

In this podcast, David Hossack and Fiona Meek discuss a recent Employment Appeal Tribunal decision examining the use of "up or out" policies in the workplace, alongside wider considerations around disability discrimination, including whether endometriosis can amount to a disability. The discussion builds on themes explored in our previous podcast Endometriosis: What Employers Need to Know and also highlights the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme by Endometriosis UK, both of which are referenced during the episode.