An NHS worker has been awarded nearly £30,000 in compensation after a tribunal found that being compared to Star Wars villain Darth Vader in a workplace personality test constituted a 'detriment'. Lorna Rooke, a supervisor in the NHS Blood and Transplant service, was subjected to the comparison during a team-building exercise, which the tribunal ruled caused her harm and contributed to her decision to leave her job.

The incident occurred when Rooke's colleagues participated in a Star Wars-themed Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. While Rooke was absent from the room, a colleague completed the test on her behalf, resulting in her being categorized under the Darth Vader personality type. Despite arguments that the Darth Vader category described a 'very focused individual who brings the team together', Employment Judge Kathryn Ramsden dismissed these as positive attributes, stating that 'being aligned with his personality is insulting'.

The tribunal heard that the comparison made Rooke feel 'unpopular' and contributed to her experiencing low mood and anxiety in relation to her work environment. Although the tribunal acknowledged that Rooke's decision to leave was influenced by personal circumstances, it upheld her claim for detriment, awarding her £28,989.61 in compensation.

This case highlights the potential for workplace team-building exercises to have unintended negative consequences when not conducted with sensitivity and respect for all participants. The ruling serves as a reminder to employers of the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.