BDBF LLP

16/10/2026

Ahead of World Menopause Day this Sunday 18 October, it’s a timely reminder that menopause can bring real challenges in the workplace – but the right culture can make all the difference.

An open, inclusive environment helps employees feel supported and enables organisations to retain valuable talent.

We’ve put together practical tips for creating a menopause-friendly workplace. Download our latest guide here:https://www.bdbf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/World-Menopause26-Flyer.pdf

16/10/2026

BDBF has been ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK 2027 for Employment: Senior Executive – for the 13th year running.

This achievement highlights the skill, commitment and client-first mindset of our outstanding team.

Swipe to meet the lawyers who made this ranking possible.

https://www.bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-celebrates-13-years-of-top-chambers-uk-rankings/

15/10/2026

BDBF celebrates its 13th year of Band 1 rankings for Employment: Senior Executive following the release of the 2027 Guide by Chambers.

Six of BDBF’s partners have been individually ranked for their expertise and leadership in the field, including Gareth Brahams, Claire Dawson and Paula Chan who are all ranked Band 1. Regulatory specialist, Nick Wilcox also moves up to Band 2 and recently returned Investigations and Mediation Partner, Polly Rodway features highly in the rankings again for her expertise. We are delighted to see talented Senior Associate Leigh Janes and Associate Roshan D***s recognised as Associates to Watch.

BDBF has also retained its ranking in the Partnership category, with Claire Dawson being ranked for her partnership expertise.

Thanks to our clients, referrers and fellow employment law colleagues for their support and feedback.

You can read more about BDBF’s rankings here:
https://www.bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-celebrates-13-years-of-top-chambers-uk-rankings/

14/10/2026

From “some” reasonable steps to “all” of them – and full liability for third party harassment.

That’s the new reality for employers from 30 October 2026.

The preventative duty is about to get significantly tougher. Don’t get caught out.

Read our latest article for everything you need to know (and do) before the changes land: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/employer-duty-to-prevent-sexual-harassment-what-changes-on-30-october-2026/

On 30 October 2026 the duty to prevent sexual harassment will become more onerous for employers who will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent it from happening at work. On the same date, employers will become liable for claims of discriminatory harassment committed by third parties, i...

14/10/2026

World Menopause Day is almost here, and half the workforce is still navigating it in silence.

Join BDBF’s Principal Knowledge Lawyer Amanda Steadman and menopause specialist Dr Kate Bunyan for a free lunchtime webinar on Wednesday 21 October entitled “Half the workforce: It’s time to talk menopause.”

Amanda will share practical legal insight on workplace protections, reasonable adjustments and how employers can move beyond box-ticking to genuine support.

Whether you’re an HR professional, manager or employee, this is one conversation worth having.

Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hw3yfq_BRn2TMUd12ReIpA

14/10/2026

Can you dismiss an employee for expressing a protected belief?

A recent EAT ruling in the University of Bristol v Dr David Miller case makes clear that the answer is rarely straightforward. The tribunal confirmed that anti-Zionist beliefs can qualify for protection under the Equality Act, and that dismissing someone partly for expressing those beliefs can amount to unlawful discrimination, even where some of their comments were considered blameworthy.

This decision is essential reading for employers navigating the tricky boundary between protected expression and unacceptable conduct.

Read the full analysis here: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/dismissal-for-expressing-protected-beliefs/

In the University of Bristol v Dr David Miller the EAT has upheld findings that an academic’s particular anti-Zionist beliefs were protected under the Equality Act 2010 and his connected dismissal was discriminatory and unfair.

13/10/2026

From April 2027, bereavement leave is set to become a day one statutory right in the UK, and it’s about to get a whole lot broader.

Pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, the death of a partner, parent, adult child or sibling – the list of qualifying events is expanding significantly.

Many employers already offer support on an ad hoc basis. This change will bring consistency, clarity and legal protection – and it means policies and contracts will need reviewing.

We’ve broken down exactly what’s changing, who’s covered and what it means for employers.

Read the full update here: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/government-sets-out-plans-for-statutory-right-to-bereavement-leave-from-april-2027/

The Government has published its response to the Consultation on Leave for Bereavement including Pregnancy loss which ran from 16 October 2025 to 15 January 2026.

13/10/2026

Can a disciplinary meeting catch you off guard, and what happens to the right to be accompanied?

In our latest episode of The BDBF Podcast, Senior Associate James Hockley and Knowledge Lawyer Rose Lim explore Wolfe v Taka Mayfair Limited and the EAT’s decision on the statutory right to be accompanied under section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999.

What if you only discover a meeting is disciplinary once it’s underway? And what if you never actually asked to bring someone with you?

The EAT’s decision offers important practical lessons for employers, HR professionals, employment lawyers and employees – particularly around when the statutory right is triggered, requests made during meetings and the distinction between section 10 and the Acas Code.

Tune in now:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/wolfe-v-taka-mayfair-limited/id1872102375?i=1000795870729
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ollSOVDz0CPv0dHnVveo

The BDBF Podcast – News and insights for the employment law community – where we break down the cases that matter, deliver sharp expert analysis and give you the practical edge on today’s toughest issues.

12/10/2026

From Autumn 2027, saying “no” will get a lot harder. Employers will need a proper consultation meeting aimed at reaching agreement, and any refusal must be objectively reasonable – with clear written reasons.

Ready to get ahead of the rules before they land?

Read our latest article for the full lowdown: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/new-flexible-working-rules-to-take-effect-from-autumn-2027/

In September 2026, the Government published the response to its consultation on improving access to flexible working.

12/10/2026

BDBF welcomes Mimosa Canneti and Izzy Davis as its newest associates.

Mimosa and Izzy advise clients on the full range of contentious and advisory employment matters. Their experience includes advising financial services businesses, listed companies and individuals across the employment lifecycle, from day-to-day advisory work through to disciplinary processes, dismissals and Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Gareth Brahams, Managing Partner said, “Mimosa and Izzy bring experience across both contentious and advisory work, together with a practical approach that aligns perfectly with our team. We are delighted to welcome them and look forward to the impact they will have as BDBF continues its growth.”

Read more: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-further-expands-its-employment-practice-with-the-appointments-of-mimosa-canneti-and-izzy-davis/