Speaking the same language in the workplace

A recent decision by the Labour Court found that a policy requiring employees to speak English in the workplace was discriminatory on the grounds of national origin. The policy, however, was objectively justifiable and as such not unlawful.

The claimants in the case were three Polish employees who worked in the catering department of Aer Lingus. At the time, the catering department employed 228 staff from 14 countries.

The claimants sought to challenge ...