Are lawyers allowed if the workers career may be jeopardised?
A recent High Court case has also determined that in certain circumstances an employee may have the right to be represented by a lawyer at internal disciplinary hearings. This is where the outcome of the hearing could have very serious implications for the individual’s future career. Whilst we believe the decision is likely to be limited to the very specific education procedures in which it arose, there is no doubt that employee’s who wish to be accompanied by solicitors may raise it in arguing this with you. In the particular case the Claimant was employed as a music assistant at a school.The school commenced disciplinary proceedings against the teacher for breach of trust as a result of the teacher having allegedly kissed a 15 year old pupil. The Claimant was dismissed. The school was under a duty to report the Claimant to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to determine whether he should be entered on the register of those who are unsuitable to work with childr
