
Fortuitously preparing for an Employment Tribunal isn’t something you do often, and so Kit’s [Christian] reassuring, patient and expert guidance throughout proved invaluable. Every question was welcomed and the whole process was handled professionally from start to close
Executive Director at a Local Authority
Kit/Christian is extremely professional and thorough with great attention to detail and supported us throughout in successfully winning our employment case. He is an excellent writer and able to simplify complex issues
Head of Sustainability & Major Works at a Local Authority
The recent support from Kit in dealing with an incredibly challenging and complex tribunal case was greatly appreciated. His ability to provide clear advice and navigate through the unusual circumstances enabled us to prepare and successfully defend the claims. Kit’s calm and approachable manner combined with his investment in providing excellent service and expertise in guiding us through, made this difficult event more manageable
Head of HR at a Fire Service
It is always a pleasure to receive instructions from Kit. He has excellent judgment and his cases are always extremely well prepared. This was a tricky case that required sensitive handling and Kit was mindful of ensuring that the claimant was able to obtain a fair hearing in difficult circumstances whilst also advancing his own client’s case.
Barrister
Christian was extremely helpful throughout the tribunal process and ensured I had clear instructions from start to finish. He dealt well with any unexpected developments, such as the late addition of documents by the litigant in person. Further, he prepared a helpful bundle and drafted thorough witness statements, allowing me to use the written evidence to prepare my arguments and cross-examination. His support and preparation played a key role in the successful outcome of the case.
Barrister
Practice areas:
Sector experience:
Christian is a solicitor in the Employment and Litigation team, developing his practice in both contentious and non-contentious employment law. He also acts for public sector clients in a range of civil matters.
Christian adopts a diligent and pragmatic approach to ensure that his client’s objectives are met. He ensures often challenging employment disputes are prepared well and clearly understands the issues in a case.
Christian regularly provides legal advice on all manner of employment law issues. He has particular experience of working with public sector organisations to advise on TUPE implications for outsourcing agreements, reviewing a wide range of contractual arrangements and defending complex employment tribunal claims.
Case highlights
- Successfully defending a local authority in an 8-day unfair dismissal, age and race discrimination claim arising from a restructure. The case involved 10 witnesses with the majority at director or executive director level.
- Successfully struck out a disability discrimination and harassment claim on the first day of a 5-day hearing owing to the Claimant’s failure to comply with orders and progress their claim. This is rare to achieve in a discrimination claim and evidences the meticulous preparation and effective communication with the Tribunal.
- Achieved a very favourable settlement for a local authority on the day before a five-day disability discrimination claim with the claim being withdrawn.
- Successfully defending a county council in a 3-day unfair dismissal claim.
- Conduct of a 20 day hearing involving in excess of 20 witnesses and involving novel points of law.
- Involved in a leisure centre procurement with a value of £80 million over the life of the contract. The outsourcing project involved challenging TUPE implications where detailed advice was required.
- Advised on the TUPE implications of major public sector project.
He graduated from the University of Bristol with a First Class degree in Law and an LPC/LLM with Distinction from BPP Holborn. As part of his Law degree he spent a year studying in Niigata University, Japan.
Publications
Christian Grierson
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Redactions to disclosure in judicial review litigation – a further update
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Court of Appeal confirms approach to redactions of names of junior civil servants
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Minimum Service Levels Update – Major change to UK trade union law
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Strike-Breaking Legislation Quashed in Judicial Review
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Private Members Bills that may affect employment law
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New Anti-Strike Law – Understanding the rights and duties of employers and employees in industrial action
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Navigating the Employment Law Implications of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
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Home is where the heart is – The new residential use permitted development right
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The Supreme Court delivers Landmark Gig Economy Decision
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Public Sector Exit Pay Cap to be Revoked
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Curing a breach of the Public Sector Equality Duty in Possession Proceedings Slough Borough Council v Taylor [2020] EWHC 3520 (Ch)
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Gender reassignment and identity – Lessons from recent cases
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The Court of Appeal Provides Clarity for the test of a ‘Fit and Proper’ Licence Holder for Houses in Multiple Occupancy
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As a new lockdown commences the furlough scheme is extended
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Court of Appeal judgment to have major implications for local authorities