Section1
Read about a real court case below, and then answer the ten multiple-choice questions.
A WRONGFUL DISMISSAL CLAIM
An Employment Tribunal sitting in Birmingham has ruled in favour of a senior HR manager who was dismissed by her employer following an internal restructuring exercise. The tribunal found that the dismissal was procedurally unfair and that the employer failed to (1) ….. proper consultation obligations.
The claimant, Ms Harper, had been employed by the respondent company for over 14 years and held the position of Head of People Operations. In late 2021, the company announced a major reorganisation, citing financial pressure and the need to streamline management roles. Ms Harper was informed that her role was potentially (2) ….. and that she would be placed at risk of redundancy.
During the consultation process, Ms Harper repeatedly requested clarification regarding the selection criteria being applied. However, the tribunal heard evidence that the criteria were applied inconsistently and that comparable roles were excluded from the redundancy pool without adequate (3) …...
Despite her experience and positive performance record, Ms Harper was dismissed with immediate effect and paid in lieu of notice. The employer argued that the dismissal was justified on grounds of business necessity, but the tribunal concluded that the decision had effectively been (4) ….. in advance of the consultation meetings.
Ms Harper subsequently (5) ….. proceedings against the company, alleging unfair dismissal and failure to follow statutory procedures. In its defence, the company contended that it had acted reasonably and within the (6) ….. of managerial discretion.
The tribunal rejected this argument, noting that the employer had failed to provide documentary evidence supporting its decision-making process. In particular, internal emails disclosed during the (7) ….. stage suggested that cost-cutting considerations relating to Ms Harper’s seniority had influenced the outcome.
Under UK employment law, an employer must demonstrate both a fair reason for dismissal and a fair (8) ….. by which that dismissal is carried out. Where this standard is not met, the tribunal may award compensation.
In this case, the tribunal considered reinstatement but declined to make such an order, concluding that the employment relationship had irretrievably (9) ….. down. Ms Harper was awarded £46,500 in compensation for loss of earnings, injury to feelings and failure to comply with statutory (10) …...
Choose the correct answer (1) ….. to (10) ….. .
1. The tribunal found that the dismissal was procedurally unfair and that the employer failed to (1) ….. proper consultation obligations.
2. Ms Harper was informed that her role was potentially (2) ….. and that she would be placed at risk of redundancy.
3. Comparable roles were excluded from the redundancy pool without adequate (3) ….. .
4. The employer argued that the dismissal was justified on grounds of business necessity, but the tribunal concluded that the decision had effectively been (4) ….. in advance of the consultation meetings.
5. Ms Harper subsequently (5) ….. proceedings against the company, alleging unfair dismissal and failure to follow statutory procedures.
6. In its defence, the company contended that it had acted reasonably and within the (6) ….. of managerial discretion.
7. Internal emails disclosed during the (7) ….. stage suggested that cost-cutting considerations relating to Ms Harper’s seniority had influenced the outcome.
8. Under UK employment law, an employer must demonstrate both a fair reason for dismissal and a fair (8) ….. by which that dismissal is carried out.
9. In this case, the tribunal considered reinstatement but declined to make such an order, concluding that the employment relationship had irretrievably (9) ….. down.
10. Ms Harper was awarded £46,500 in compensation for loss of earnings, injury to feelings and failure to comply with statutory (10) ….. .
Total Questions: 10
Incorrect Answers: 0
Section 2
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence (1) ….. to (20) ….. .
1. If a borrower fails to meet repayment obligations, the bank may classify the loan as being in (1) ….. .
2. The bank required the director to give a personal (2) ….. as security for the company’s overdraft facility.
3. Interest calculated only on the original principal, and not on accumulated interest, is known as (3) ….. interest.
4. Under the loan agreement, the lender had the contractual right to (4) ….. the loan immediately following an event of default.
5. Funds deposited into a current account are legally regarded as a (5) ….. from the customer to the bank.
6. The borrower successfully negotiated a temporary (6) ….. on repayments due to short-term cash-flow problems.
7. A clause allowing the bank to combine credit balances with debit balances across different accounts is known as a right of (7) ….. .
8. The bank refused the loan application because the company’s assets were already subject to a fixed (8) ….. in favour of another lender.
9. Where a borrower repays a loan before its contractual maturity date, the bank may charge an early repayment (9) ….. .
10. A loan repayable in instalments over a fixed period of time is commonly referred to as a (10) ….. loan.
11. The interest rate on the facility was linked to LIBOR plus a fixed (11) ….. .
12. If the borrower becomes insolvent, the bank may seek to (12) ….. its security before unsecured creditors are paid.
13. A floating charge typically (13) ….. into a fixed charge upon the borrower’s insolvency.
14. The bank opened the account only after completing customer due diligence in accordance with anti-money laundering (14) ….. .
15. Where two parties borrow jointly, they are usually liable on a (15) ….. and several basis.
16. The lender agreed to waive the breach, but made it clear that this did not constitute a general (16) ….. of its rights.
17. A short-term loan intended to cover immediate funding needs pending longer-term finance is known as a (17) ….. loan.
18. The borrower alleged that the bank had breached its duty by wrongfully freezing the company’s (18) ….. account.
19. A covenant requiring the borrower to maintain certain financial ratios is known as a (19) ….. covenant.
20. Upon full repayment of the loan, the bank agreed to (20) ….. the security and close the facility.
Correct: 0 | Incorrect: 0
TOLES Advanced — Section 3 (Prepositions)
Topics: Contract Law & Employment Law
Complete each sentence (1–20) with ONE preposition only.
Contract Law
1. The agreement was entered under duress, rendering it voidable at the election of the aggrieved party.
2. The supplier shall be liable any losses arising directly from its failure to comply with regulatory requirements.
3. This clause operates independently the remainder of the agreement and shall survive termination.
4. The contract was rescinded the grounds that material facts had been fraudulently misrepresented.
5. Time shall be of the essence respect to all payment obligations under this Agreement.
6. The parties agree to waive any rights they may have statute to terminate without notice.
7. The purchaser relied the representations made during pre-contractual negotiations.
8. No amendment shall be effective unless made writing and signed by both parties.
9. The contractor shall indemnify the client claims brought by third parties.
10. The agreement is binding the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
Employment Law
11. The employee was dismissed gross misconduct following an internal investigation.
12. The employer must not discriminate employees on the basis of age or disability.
13. The claimant applied unfair dismissal after completing the qualifying period.
14. The employee was suspended pay pending disciplinary proceedings.
15. The employer failed to comply its obligations under health and safety legislation.
16. The employee consented the variation of contractual terms.
17. The termination was effected notice, contrary to the terms of the contract.
18. The employer acted breach of the implied duty of mutual trust and confidence.
19. The employee brought a claim the company for constructive dismissal.
20. The bonus scheme operates the employer’s absolute discretion.
Total Questions: 10
Incorrect Answers: 0
Section 4
PART A — Read the email below and choose the 20 missing words and phrases to complete (1) ….. to (20) ….. .
From: regional.secretary@steelworkers-union.org.uk
To: hr.director@northshoreengineering.co.uk
Subject: Formal Notice of Industrial Action and Failure to Conclude Agreement
Dear Ms Carter,
We write in our capacity as the recognised trade union representing employees at Northshore Engineering Ltd in connection with the collective bargaining arrangements (1) ….. into between the company and the union, pursuant to which negotiations have been conducted on a (2) ….. fide basis and with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable outcome.
Notwithstanding repeated meetings and written proposals, no revised agreement has been (3) ….., nor has any enforceable framework been put (4) ….. place that would be (5) ….. on both parties. In those circumstances, and (6) ….. the grounds that the employer has failed to engage meaningfully with proposals advanced by the union, a statutory ballot was conducted in accordance with the applicable (7) ….. .
The ballot resulted in a clear mandate authorising industrial action, (8) ….. alia a full withdrawal of labour and action short of strike, including a refusal to work overtime. Notice is therefore hereby given that such action is intended to commence on 18 March 2026, subject always to any lawful (9) ….. and to the union’s continuing efforts to achieve resolution through dialogue.
For the avoidance of doubt, any measures adopted by the employer in response must not (10) ….. against employees by reason of union membership or participation in lawful industrial action. Further, no employee may be (11) ….. for any conduct that is protected by statute, and any suspension must be imposed only where there is a lawful basis for doing so and, where appropriate, be (12) ….. on pay pending investigation.
We also remind you that any decision purportedly taken (13) ….. the employer’s discretion must, in practice, be exercised reasonably and consistently, failing which the employer may find itself (14) ….. breach of its statutory and contractual obligations.
The union remains willing to resume negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement that reflects the parties’ respective interests and is capable of lawful enforcement. However, unless substantive (15) ….. is made within a reasonable timeframe, our members have instructed us to proceed as notified.
Nothing in this correspondence shall be construed as a waiver of any rights or remedies available to the union or its members, whether arising under contract, statute or otherwise, and all such rights are expressly (16) ….. .
Should the employer seek, (17) ….. (18) ….., to obtain injunctive relief, the union will resist any such application, (19) ….. out that such relief is an (20) ….. remedy, granted only where damages are not an adequate substitute.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Hughes
Regional Secretary
Steelworkers’ Union
PART A QUESTIONS — Choose the correct option to complete (1) ….. to (20) ….. .
1. arrangements (1) ….. into between the company and the union
2. on a (2) ….. fide basis
3. no revised agreement has been (3) …..
4. framework has been put (4) ….. place
5. that would be (5) ….. on both parties
6. and (6) ….. the grounds that
7. in accordance with the applicable (7) …..
8. (8) ….. alia a full withdrawal of labour
9. subject always to any lawful (9) …..
10. must not (10) ….. against employees
11. may be (11) ….. for any conduct
12. be (12) ….. on pay pending investigation
13. taken (13) ….. the employer’s discretion
14. find itself (14) ….. breach of its obligations
15. unless substantive (15) ….. is made
16. rights are expressly (16) …..
17. Should the employer seek, (17) ….. (18) ….., to obtain injunctive relief
18. Should the employer seek, prima (18) ….., to obtain injunctive relief
19. the union will resist any such application, (19) ….. out that
20. such relief is an (20) ….. remedy
PART B — Read the second email below and choose the 8 missing words and phrases to complete (21) ….. to (28) ….. .
From: legal@oakridgeproperty.co.uk
To: claims@fasthaul-logistics.com
Subject: Formal Claim for Property Damage and Demand for Compensation
Dear Sir or Madam,
We act for Oakridge Property Management Ltd in relation to the delivery services agreement (21) ….. into with your company. On 4 February 2026, during performance of those services, your employee’s vehicle struck a structural support column, causing extensive physical damage.
Our client has incurred repair costs in the sum of £18,740, for which your company is (22) ….. for the loss. Liability is advanced (23) ….. the grounds that the incident resulted from negligent operation of the vehicle in the course of employment, such that vicarious liability arises.
Further, pursuant to the contractual indemnity, your company is required to indemnify (24) ….. all claims and losses arising out of damage caused during the services. In the absence of payment within 14 days, your company will be (25) ….. breach of contract, and our client reserves the right to commence proceedings without further notice.
Please confirm that the matter has been referred to your insurers and provide (26) ….. relevant policy details. All rights are expressly (27) ….., and this correspondence is sent (28) ….. prejudice.
Yours faithfully,
Helen Moore
Legal Counsel
PART B QUESTIONS — Choose the correct option to complete (21) ….. to (28) ….. .
21. agreement (21) ….. into with your company
22. your company is (22) ….. for the loss
23. Liability is advanced (23) ….. the grounds that
24. required to indemnify (24) ….. all claims and losses
25. will be (25) ….. breach of contract
26. provide (26) ….. relevant policy details
27. All rights are expressly (27) …..
28. sent (28) ….. prejudice
Total Questions: 28
Incorrect Answers: 0