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

The Lawdown: Employment Law Podcast Series from CM Murray LLP

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Wonu Sanda, Emma Bartlett, and Beth Hale discuss the following:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.