Debenhams Ottaway and No5 Chambers host mock employment tribunal trial

On Monday 2 June 2014, the employment team at Debenhams Ottaway teamed up with No5 Chambers to host a mock employment tribunal trial at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield. The event was attended by mainly HR professionals and business owners, giving them a practical insight into employment tribunal proceedings.

The trial was based on a fictitious unfair dismissal claim with barristers from No5 Chambers playing the role of the Employment Judge and advocates and lawyers at Debenhams Ottaway taking on the role of claimant and witness.

After all the evidence was given and final submissions received from advocates, it was an almost unanimous decision by delegates that that the dismissal was unfair with a show of green cards. Richard Hignett from No5 Chambers who played the Employment Judge went on to highlight key factors that affect the outcome of unfair dismissal claims and he took a number of questions from the delegates.

“Despite substantive training in employment law, I have still learnt an awful lot today. I gained a depth of knowledge on how law is applied and considerations for us as an employer – very good. Correct balance of showing the process and humour/comic relief.”

“I will be recommending this for our managers.”