Welcome back to the first episode of The Legal Alternative in 2026! Sam & Nils debate the government's decision to drop the mandatory digital ID scheme to work in the UK. They also discuss a case involving misgendering and disability discrimination, highlighting the challenges of competing characteristics.

Key Takeaways:

• The government has dropped the mandatory digital ID scheme to work in the UK.
• Digital ID was seen as a tool to deter illegal working.
• The tribunal found in favour of the claimant in the misgendering case.
• While this case does not diminish the need to protect transgender employees from harassment, it highlights the importance of employers taking a balanced, evidence-based approach to ensure their responses are both reasonable and proportionate.
• If a disability is raised as a possible explanation, it should be genuinely investigated, documented and reflected in the outcome, with appropriate use of occupational health or other external resources where appropriate.
• Less discriminatory alternatives (e.g. mediation or reasonable adjustments) should be considered before disciplinary action.

Seminars & Events:

https://www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk/seminars/business-services-seminars/

Contact Us:

BoxHR@chadlaw.co.uk

SamPawson@chadlaw.co.uk

NilsODonoghue@chadlaw.co.uk

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/employment-law-chadwick-lawrence-llp/

Chapters:

(⁠⁠00:00⁠⁠) Introduction

(⁠⁠00:42) What's in Your Inbox?

(⁠⁠01:10) Government Drops Plans for Mandatory Digital ID to Work in UK

(⁠⁠03:55) Employee Who Misgendered Transgender Colleague Wins Disability Claim

(12:27) Out the Office!