(Doctoral) EMPLOYMENT LAW.(4000 words)
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Word limit: 4000
Weighting: 100% of the total marks for the module
Formatting: Single space; Times New Roman or Arial; Font size 11 or 12
Answer question 1 and any other question from either 2 or 3 and note the weightings.
Your answer will be marked in accordance with the Law Assessment Criteria attached
& available in the module handbook.
Learning Outcomes:
1) 1a. Explain the core principles that underpin employment law as it applies in the UK; 1b.
Critically consider the likely future progress of employment law in the light of its past
development; 1c. Evaluate the formation, operation and termination of employment
contracts in a variety of situations.
2) 2a. Apply your knowledge of employment law to solve practical problems and scenarios
and advise colleagues as to the implications of legal developments, appropriate action and
organizational response. 2b. Carry out in depth legal research on issues relevant to
employment law.
3) 3a Present your work to an acceptable academic standard in writing; 3b. Write appropriately for a variety of different target groups.
Question 1 compulsory (70 Marks):
“Concern over the potential unravelling of our existing framework of employment
rights largely revolves around the importance of establishing ‘a floor of rights’ and
setting minimum standards in ensuring a robust contract of employment, degree of
workplace equity, protecting the most vulnerable, and challenging the reliance of
the UK economy on low paid and low skilled work” Dr. Prior – Plymouth University
Discuss critically within the context of the roles and regulation of Employment Law in
the UK. Support your answer where necessary with relevant academic authorities,
case law, legislation, and opinions of jurists. 3000 words
Choose one question (question 2 OR 3)
Question 2 (30 Marks):
Jemima started a job at EasyKlean, a chain of dry cleaners, four weeks ago. She
works in a small shop and does not do the dry cleaning herself (although this is done
on the premises). She works behind the till, taking the clothes from the customers
and handing out tickets. She has just found out that she is pregnant, something that
she did not know about when she started work. Her doctor says that it would not be
good for her health or her pregnancy if she continued in her current role as the
fumes from the dry-cleaning fluid could have a bad effect. When she tells her
manager of the pregnancy, he gets angry and says that if he had known that she
was pregnant he would not have given her a job.
a. What obligations does EasyKlean have in these circumstances?
b. What rights and remedies are available to Jemima?
1000 words
Question 3 (30 Marks):
In Barbulescu v Romania, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that an
employer was not permitted to terminate an employee’s contract for cause for
sending (prohibited) private messages on a work system.
Based on your knowledge of international employment law, to what extent do you
agree or disagree with the above decision? Consider critically the ruling of the ECHR
in the above (Barbulescu’s) case and compare the position of the law in the UK with
the law in your own country.
1000 words
