The employer argued that the meetings were not in “working time”. Although the employment tribunal found the reps were “working” during the meetings, the EAT said it had adopted a too narrow approach in deciding whether they were also “at the employer’s disposal” and “carrying out his activities or duties”. It said that a wider approach was allowed, which could take into account activities that were for the benefit of the employer in a broader sense, such as attending a trade union or health and safety meeting. Their claims were remitted to the employment tribunal for re-consideration, applying this broader approach to “working time”.