CLICKBAIT v CASE LAW
If you only read headlines covering employment tribunal judgments, you’d be forgiven for overhearing these at the metaphorical water cooler. But, for employees it is always worth remembering these stories are designed to generate clicks, not provide accurate legal guidance. For HR, it can be a real headache.
The problem? Employees take them at face value. Staff may believe they have more freedom than they do, and managers can feel uncertain about enforcing rules. In reality, Tribunals focus on process, policies, and context. They are almost always fact specific, first tier Tribunals don’t provide binding precedents, and don’t generally consider sweeping statements about what behaviour is “allowed.”
Why it matters for employers
Employee expectations shift: Headlines risk undermining workplace standards.
Misunderstanding spreads: Few appreciate how fact-specific tribunal decisions are.
Expertise is overlooked: Employment law is complex; media soundbites rarely capture it.
What you can do
Reinforce your policies: make sure standards are clear and consistently applied.
Support your managers: equip them to push back on “but I read…” arguments.
Focus on fairness: following proper procedure is what tribunals actually test.
Rely on expertise: seek advice before acting, not after headlines cause confusion.
Final word
Don’t let the press set your workplace culture. Robust policies, fair processes, and clear communication will always matter more than click-driven stories.
