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In Mr H Drummond v Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Hamish Drummond, from Dundee, was barred from applying for the more senior version of his existing role because he didn't have a driving licence. An employment tribunal has ruled that Mr Drummond should have been allowed to apply for one of ten senior tax investigator jobs being offered by the public body in 2020. Mr Drummond, a tax office employee for 20 years, was encouraged to go for the role only to be knocked back before he could finish the application process.

In the case of Ms HE Biggs v A Bilborough & Company Ltd and others Helena Biggs is a qualified solicitor specialising in shipping. She joined A Bilborough & Company Ltd as a claims handler in October 2004. The tribunal heard that when Biggs told the claims director of her firm that she was pregnant, he had gone directly to another female employee and told her to ‘keep her legs shut’. The same director had then commented that a friendship between Biggs and a female client might be because the client was a lesbian. He had claimed in his evidence he was pointing this out to 'protect' Biggs.

Each year thousands of lawyers give their time and skills 'pro bono' to help people who cannot afford to pay for representation. Since 2007, the civil courts have been able to make 'pro bono costs orders' in favour of successful parties who are in receipt of pro bono representation. The losing party is required to pay the amount awarded to The Access to Justice Foundation, a charity which raises and distributes funds to advice agencies, pro bono projects, and national charities which help to facilitate access to justice. Pro bono costs orders therefore raise vital funds in support of access to justice.