Read v University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust - 2021 - ET
10 day case – Discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments and unfair dismissal. On conclusion of cross-examination, all claims withdrawn.
Helen Barney is an Employment law specialist, with significant experience having undertaken related cases for 15+ years.
“Fiercely intelligent”, “undeniably fantastic”, “outstanding”, “highly skilled”, “goes the extra mile” (Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal and Chambers UK)
Helen is a modern, approachable barrister who is renowned for her excellent client-care skills and working in partnership with those that instruct her. She is well adept at explaining complex legal arguments in simple plain language and brings to every claim sound case management and tactical awareness.
Helen started her career as an in-house barrister in the employment team of a leading national firm. Since then Helen has accrued 15+ years experience as a practicing barrister with significant experience in the following fields:
Public Sector:
Helen also undertakes work on behalf of claimants by way of union supported complaints, insurance backed claims and privately paying individuals.
Helen regularly appears before the Employment Tribunal in complex and lengthy hearings, invariably involving multiple allegations of discrimination on varying grounds, whistle-blowing and thorny unfair dismissal complaints. She is often the go-to barrister for difficult and complex preliminary hearings to include jurisdictional issues, TUPE complaints and interim relief hearings. Helen also appears before the EAT and provides advice (oral and written) on the whole breadth of employment law issues.
Helen has experience in advising employers on the adequacy of internal investigations, provided guidance on additional steps needed and conducted independent investigations. A recent investigation concerned an international company, looking into the issue of alleged bullying and harassment by its HR Director and counter-allegations.
Helen has delivered countless training sessions to solicitors, HR personnel, business owners, managers etc. More recently she has provided training on TUPE Reg 3(1)(b) transfers, and changing terms and conditions, harassment and practical tips on disability discrimination.
Helen is well known for her meticulous preparation of cases, contributing to her impressive success rates. For more details please ask the employment clerks.
10 day case – Discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments and unfair dismissal. On conclusion of cross-examination, all claims withdrawn.
Age discrimination – Applicability of the Pension Exemption Order – Justification – high value claim dismissed.
10 day multi-discrimination complaint successfully defeated.
Guidance given on the approach to be taken by Tribunals in striking out claims for non-compliance of an unless order.
6 week hearing – lengthy and hard fought complaint of race discrimination, victimisation and disability discrimination involving consultants. The allegations spanned over a period of 10 years. All claims successfully dismissed.
Consideration of when an Employment Judge can hear an application for costs following Judgment, in circumstances where a costs warning had been given during the trial. The case of Oni v NHS Leicester City [2013] ICR 91 considered.
Guidance given by President Langstaff on the use of interpreters and the correlation with the Article 6 right to a fair hearing – Counsel commended for her “well-structured and carefully considered argument”
Correct composition of an employment tribunal – guidance given by President Langstaff as to when a Judge should sit alone or with members in dual or multiple claims.
The reach of the Supreme Court’s decision in the goods and services discrimination complaint of Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd [2018] IRLR 1116 is…
Traditional Transfers of Undertakings under Regulation 3(1)(a) TUPE 2006 will be held at the offices of Slater and Gordon in Manchester on March 6, and…
"Helen is a really impressive operator. Helen is great with witnesses and provides a first class, responsive service to clients."
"Helen is extremely personable and always puts clients and witnesses at ease, notwithstanding the complexity of the legal issues at hand or the difficulties with a case. She is an excellent advocate."
"Nothing gets past Helen. Her thorough preparation and steely determination makes her our barrister of choice." "She is an excellent advocate who excels at client service."
"Helen is thorough in her preparation and cross-examination. She has a strong grip on the key issues and secures the right outcome for clients. She understands the importance of a team approach, which makes onboarding seamless for clients."
"Helen is a standout barrister; she's very good at the more emotive kinds of cases and cutting to the issues in those cases." "Extremely thorough in her preparation; no stone will go unturned. Helen is very driven and will always do her very best. Helen knows how to handle clients and witnesses, and provides solid advice."
"Helen is knowledgeable, quick to grasp the issues and thorough. She brings a levity to proceedings that makes it a pleasure working with her."
"Helen is very thorough and is excellent in terms of detailed analysis, yet is still down-to-earth and speaks in plain English, which clients value."
"Her engagement with the judges and her understanding of how they operate is second to none." "She is very pragmatic and cooperative, and strongly defends her clients' interests."
"Clear and focused in cross-examination, with excellent knowledge and application of legal principles."
“Her approach to cross-examination is an art.” “She excels at setting clients at ease but keeping opponents on their toes.”
“Incredibly shrewd, personable and easy to work with.”
The reach of the Supreme Court’s decision in the goods and services discrimination complaint of Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd [2018] IRLR 1116 is…
Traditional Transfers of Undertakings under Regulation 3(1)(a) TUPE 2006 will be held at the offices of Slater and Gordon in Manchester on March 6, and…
