Appeal hearings conducted by telephone or video-link during the COVID-19 pandemic satisfy procedural fairness requirements and constitute a necessary and proportionate alteration to normal court practice. A party seeking adjournment on pandemic-related grounds must demonstrate a real risk of material prejudice, which is assessed by reference to the nature of the issues on appeal, the extent of pre-hearing preparation, and counsel's prior involvement. The size of the claim alone does not establish a basis for adjournment.
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