‘An Irish woman whose boss repeatedly shouted “potato” at her when they disagreed at work has been awarded £23,000 in a harassment payout.’
‘This study examines women’s maternity experiences in UK policing across pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work. Drawing on a large-scale mixed-methods survey (n = 4752), it highlights how organisational culture, rather than formal policy alone, shapes maternity journeys, wellbeing, and long-term career trajectories. Quantitative findings reveal declining support across the maternity stages, with only 25% of participants reporting adequate mental health support during pregnancy, and just 20% upon returning to work. Supervisor discretion, termed the ‘supervisor lottery’, emerged as a critical factor, with inconsistent communication, marginalisation of flexible working, and organisational silence during maternity leave undermining inclusion and engagement. Support experiences varied significantly across role, disability status, nationality, and length of service. Regression and correlation analyses confirmed that positive early-stage support predicted stronger perceptions of post-maternity work-life balance, mental health, and access to opportunities. However, flexible workers reported poorer access to professional development, suggesting persistent structural biases. Women experiencing weaker organisational support were more likely to report altered career aspirations, suggesting that disadvantage can accumulate across the maternity journey to reshape long-term outcomes. The study goes beyond identifying barriers to offer grounded, practitioner-focused recommendations to embed structural change. These include strengthening supervisory accountability, normalising flexible working, integrating perinatal mental health into occupational health provision, and formalising maternity-related communication pathways. A cultural reorientation is needed that views maternity not as a disruption, but as a routine, supported part of a sustainable policing career. Embedding these changes is vital to improving retention, organisational resilience, and the representation of women in UK policing.’
Policing and Society, 11th March 2026
Source: doi.org
‘A woman imprisoned and forced to work for a mother of 10 for more than a quarter of a century in “Dickensian” conditions has said nothing can give her back her lost years as her abuser was sentenced to 13 years.’
The Guardian, 12th March 2026
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience the poorest outcomes across multiple domains, including over-representation in the Criminal Justice System. Despite several government publications, limited research explores their specific experiences within criminal justice services. This scoping review aimed to synthesise existing literature on the prison experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller individuals, particularly regarding the extent to which their cultural needs are met. The review included qualitative studies published in English from 1994 onward, focusing on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller individuals’ prison experiences. A search of three academic databases and grey literature was conducted, and screening followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Variables were extracted to assess inclusion criteria, summarise findings, and chart demographic data such as gender and country of origin. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Core themes identified included discrimination, limited understanding of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture and relationships, and inadequate opportunities to meet cultural needs in custody. Although the small number of studies limits generalisability, the recurrence of these themes across different contexts indicates systemic issues. Overall, the findings suggest that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller prisoners have predominantly negative experiences, with key cultural needs unmet and poorly understood. The findings suggest more focused research and policy development are needed to address these systemic shortcomings within custodial environments.’
Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 11th March 2026
Source: doi.org
‘A claimant giving evidence in the High Court was fed answers through smart glasses he was wearing that were connected to his mobile phone, a judge has found.’
Legal Futures, 13th March 2026
Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk
‘The UK’s asylum system is being overhauled. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has laid out a series of reforms that will affect refugees seeking safety in Britain. Mahmood argues that these changes – which include removing financial and housing support for asylum seekers who break the law, and offering incentive payments for asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected to return home – will remove “incentives” drawing people to Britain. She says they are necessary as part of a “firm but fair approach” to asylum.’
EIN Blog, 11th March 2026
Source: www.ein.org.uk
‘Welsh Water is set to pay a proposed £44.7m after the industry regulator found “serious and unacceptable” breaches in the supplier’s sewage and network services.’
BBC News, 12th March 2026
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘A therapist who claimed he could heal birth trauma through sexual touching and oral sex has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.’
The Guardian, 12th March 2026
Source: www.theguardian.com
© Inner Temple Library 2026