At 11.00 today, students can watch Professor Ford 'live' (00:30) as he addresses the Supreme Court on a case that will address whether the Fees Order imposing fees in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeals Tribunal breached the EU principle of effectiveness - and whether it was indirectly indiscriminatory.

From 29 July 2013, persons bringing claims in the Employment Tribunal, and appealing to the Employment Appeal Tribunal, have been required to pay substantial fees, ranging from £390 to £1600. Following the introduction of fees, official statistics show a dramatic reduction in claims brought, by around 80%. The appellant's challenge to the Fees Order was unsuccessful in two sets of proceedings in the High Court, and on appeal in the Court of Appeal.

Professor Ford joined the Law School in 2015 and specialises in labour law, human rights and public law.  He also studied here between 1983-86.  Dr. Daniel Schaffer, Chair of the Law School Advisory Board and fellow alumnus said:

This is a huge learning opportunity for students. Students will get to see exactly how law should be presented in this extremely important case. Very few advocates get to address the Supreme Court. Being able to watch a Professor from the Law School means watching someone they know at the very very top of his game. A not-to-be-missed opportunity, particularly for students studying employment or EU law.