Adrian Fryer
The government has launched a consultation on strengthening employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, signalling that carers’ rights may remain firmly on the employment law agenda in the years ahead.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
Most HR professionals will be familiar with unfair dismissal claims, but wrongful dismissal is a different type of claim altogether. Whereas unfair dismissal focuses on the fairness of the employer’s decision to dismiss, wrongful dismissal is a contractual claim that looks at whether the employer was entitled to terminate employment without notice.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal decision provides a useful reminder that employers cannot always rely on the absence of a formal occupational health opinion when assessing whether an employee is disabled under the Equality Act 2010.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
On 19 June 2026, a significant change to UK data protection law came into force. Under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, employees and other individuals now have a statutory right to raise data protection complaints directly with their employer before escalating concerns to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision provides useful guidance for employers that have moved to digital-only payslips.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
AI has chalked up what is being described as its first court victory – but before the robots start demanding silk gowns and chambers, it’s worth looking a little closer.
The case involved Garfield AI, an AI-powered law firm, helping a freelancer successfully recover unpaid fees in court. AI carried out the heavy lifting before trial – preparing documents, witness statements and the court bundle. However, when it came to the hearing itself, a human barrister still took centre stage, presenting the case and advocating before the judge.
AI is becoming an increasingly common feature of workplace disputes and litigation. Employers may use AI to analyse documents or prepare evidence, while employees and their representatives are likely to be doing exactly the same. Garfield AI’s legal victory demonstrates that AI is able to take a supporting role in employment litigation, but human oversight, expertise, judgement and advocacy remain firmly in charge – at least for now.
Contact Adrian Fryer, Partner and Head of Employment.
Continue ReadingNorth west law firm Bermans has strengthened its litigation team with the appointment of James Thornton as a senior associate.
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Chris Brain (pictured), joined Bermans in September 2020 and is a Solicitor in our Insolvency team. We spoke to him to learn more about him and his work.
Post‑Completions ParalegalRobert joined Bermans in March 2026 and is a Post‑Completions Paralegal in our Property team.
His main areas of work include:
He graduated with a degree in History at the University of Chester in 2023, before going onto gaining legal experience – developing skills in legal administration and conveyancing.
Outside of work, Robert enjoys attending football games, rock concerts, and visiting historical sites.
E: robert.baker@bermans.co.uk
T: 0151 224 0508
Senior AssociateJames joined Bermans in May 2026 and is Senior Associate in our Litigation team.
James qualified as a solicitor in 2011. Prior to this, he worked in the Shipping and Logistics industry for one of the main ocean-going carriers at the time. Before joining Bermans, James worked for national and international law firms and was head of litigation at an established Warrington firm.
James has extensive experience advising on all forms of commercial disputes including the niche area of carriage of goods. He has also managed claims in the specialist lists of the Admiralty Court and Commercial Court as well as handing matters in the County Court.
James is regularly instructed to advise on insurance disputes and property litigation, whilst also having a private client practice, advising in areas of law such as contentious probate, trust disputes, defamation, misuse of private information and consumer disputes.
Outside of work, James supports Everton F.C and has a keen interest in the sports of cricket and tennis.
E: James.Thornton@bermans.co.uk
T: 0151 224 0525
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