English Law does place a fair amount of credence on verbal assurances. My father used to run a company and was eventually sued (and lost the case) by one of the executives who was promised occasional assurances of 'I'll have you join me on the Board one day'. Pa Notso had to pay the gentleman compensation although there was never anything in writing and it boiled down to one man's word against another. If I was a betting man, I'd put money on them winning- I think they have a good case as they are solid, reliable witnesses. They were promised it and this is under English law- good luck to them!