Barely Legal, Morally Wrong?

Single Parents

In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore the realities of single parenting and the assumptions that still surround it. Following on from their recent discussion on grief, they turn their attention to a topic that is often part of everyday life but rarely discussed openly. From the language used to describe single parents, to the judgement and stigma that can still exist, this episode takes a candid look at the experience both inside and outside the workplace. Alix shares her own perspective, discussing the responsibility of managing everything alone, the lack of a safety net, and the practical and emotional challenges that come with it. The conversation also highlights the strengths that are often overlooked, including resilience, organisation and independence. This episode also considers how workplaces respond to single parents, and whether current attitudes and policies go far enough to recognise the realities involved. It is an honest and thought provoking discussion that encourages a more balanced and informed view of what it really means to be a single parent today.

Grief at Work

In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore one of the most personal and difficult issues any workplace will face: grief. Prompted by the sad loss of Jen Hardy, founder of Cancer Card, they discuss how employers respond when someone is dealing with bereavement and whether workplace policies truly reflect the reality of loss. From time off after a death to delayed funerals, miscarriage, IVF, pet loss and anticipatory grief, this is a thoughtful and honest conversation about the many forms grief can take and the limits of legal protection. It is a powerful discussion about what happens when life does not fit neatly into policy and why compassion at work matters just as much as compliance

International Women’s Day

In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we use International Women’s Day as a springboard to ask a tougher question: are we making progress, or are we starting to slide backwards? We talk equal pay and the realities that still sit behind the headlines, the wider rollback of women’s rights in the US and what that signals culturally, and the quiet retreat from equality and diversity commitments in senior leadership. We also discuss whether quotas and positive action remain necessary tools, what “giving to gain” looks like in practice, and how childcare, parental leave and workplace dynamics shape confidence, opportunity and long term outcomes for women. Expect straight talking, real reflections and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

NDA v FOI

In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we unpack the difference between NDAs and FOIs and why they often work in opposite directions. We look at how FOI requests promote transparency for public bodies, when a subject access request can be used in the private sector, and the role of the Information Commissioner when disclosure is disputed. We discuss whistleblowing protections, proposed limits on NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, and the practical reality of confidentiality clauses, document dumps and liquidated damages. We also explore when an FOI can cut across confidentiality in the public sector and why trust still sits at the heart of most agreements. Expect straight talking, real examples and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

Clashing Rights

In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack clashing rights at work and beyond. They look at how the courts balance protected characteristics, why no single right automatically wins, and how disability and belief are assessed in practice. Along the way they revisit headline cases, from a guest house room refusal and the Northern Ireland cake dispute to the Miss Higgs social media ruling. They explore flags, free expression and when symbolism can create a hostile setting for staff, as well as day to day tensions around pronouns, taking the knee and professional duties to treat without bias. Expect straight talking, practical takeaways, and one simple question at the end… was it barely legal or morally wrong.