BDBF LLP

05/06/2026

On 10 June 2026, BDBF Partner Samantha Prosser will be speaking at “Our BIG Problem, Our Solutions – Wellness at Work” – the Midland Ophthalmological Society conference exploring the challenges facing today’s medical workforce and practical solutions to improve wellness at work. Samantha’s session will explore whistleblowing and discrimination in the NHS – what legal protections are available and how best to protect yourself in those situations.

04/06/2026

The Victims and Courts Act 2026 has received Royal Assent, introducing far-reaching changes that significantly limit the use of NDAs to silence victims of crime.

This moves the law even further than the 2024 provisions and brings NDA restrictions for criminal matters more in line with upcoming rules on harassment and discrimination.

Employers and organisations using confidentiality agreements need to review their templates and practices urgently. What used to offer protection may no longer hold up in the same way.

Read our full analysis here: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/victims-and-courts-act-2026-future-changes-to-nda-prohibitions-receive-royal-assent/

On 29 April 2026, the Victims and Courts Act 2026 was given Royal Assent, sealing it in final form and securing the protections intended to benefit victims of crime.

03/06/2026

BDBF Partners Gareth Brahams and Samantha Prosser will be attending the EELA Annual Conference this week in Oslo.

This is a leading event for employment lawyers, bringing together experts across Europe to explore the latest developments in the field.

Gareth and Samantha look forward to connecting with existing and new peers attending this year’s conference.

26/05/2026

Can Blair’s 1997 employment law reforms help the sector prepare for the seismic changes coming with the Employment Rights Act?

In our latest episode, host Tom McLaughlin sits down with BDBF Managing Partner Gareth Brahams to explore the striking parallels between Tony Blair’s early employment reforms and the major shifts on the horizon.

Drawing on over three decades at the forefront of employment law, Gareth connects the dots between the reduction in unfair dismissal qualifying periods, rising compensation limits, the introduction of the Working Time Regulations and what these historical moves reveal about the road ahead.

If you’re looking for thoughtful, experience-led insight into one of the biggest generational shifts in UK employment law, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bdbf-podcast-news-and-insights-for-the/id1872102375?i=1000769603967
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zlidQmOLFaEtG7X1xdegP?si=IRoLGHK3QeuwGQntL0qikg

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.

21/05/2026

Is the whistleblowing landscape about to shift?

The principle of personal liability for whistleblowing dismissal in Timis v Osipov is under the microscope today, as the Supreme Court hears argument in Rice v Wicked Vision – the case that could finally clarify whether a worker can bring a detriment claim for the act of dismissal itself, in addition to (or instead of) an automatic unfair dismissal claim.

The stakes are significant: personal liability for individual decision-makers, vicarious liability for employers, potential for higher value claims and much needed clarity for employers, HR professionals and whistleblowers alike.

In case you missed it, check out our podcast episode breaking down this high stakes appeal featuring Gareth Brahams and Bruce Carr KC, who architected the “detriment of dismissal” claim for Mr Osipov 👇

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/osipov-in-the-firing-line-rice-v-wicked-vision/id1872102375?i=1000759836490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/49SL5uWG7TFTaMUuLE2Yre?si=pK2zVIyBQ2WQByZM-cdPMQ&nd=1&dlsi=d72c0496de8041b4

We’ll be watching closely as the Court grapples with this important issue and its practical implications for whistleblowing litigation.

14/05/2026

On 21 May 2026, BDBF Partner Claire Dawson will be speaking at the ELA Annual Conference in London. Her session, entitled “Unfair Dismissal post 1 January 2027: Advising clients in a changed landscape” will explore how the significant reforms to unfair dismissal law will impact both litigation risk and day-to-day advisory work.

Claire will be joined by Eleanor Rowswell (Farrer & Co), with the session chaired by Annabel Mackay (Baker McKenzie LLP).

14/05/2026

Big changes are coming to NDAs in harassment and discrimination cases.

The Government has launched a consultation on banning NDAs that silence workers, with new rules requiring independent legal advice and cooling-off periods for any exceptions.

Employers using confidentiality clauses in settlements or contracts will need to adapt quickly.

Here’s what the proposals mean in practice: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/employment-rights-act-2025-consultation-launched-on-non-disclosure-agreement-prohibitions/

13/05/2026

BDBF has been ranked in the top tier by Doyle’s Guide 2026 as one of London’s leading employee-focused employment law firms.

Managing Partner Gareth Brahams has been recognised as a Preeminent Lawyer representing employees, Paula Chan as a Leading Lawyer and Claire Dawson as a Recommended Lawyer.

Doyle’s Guide, described as one of the legal industry’s most prestigious rankings guides, recognises those lawyers who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities. Thank you to our clients for their continued trust, our peers for their feedback and our talented team for their dedication and expertise in delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

https://doylesguide.com/leading-employment-law-firms-employee-union-representation-london-2026/

https://doylesguide.com/leading-employment-lawyers-employee-union-representation-london-2026/

13/05/2026

“Subject to references” or “subject to right to work” doesn’t always mean what you think.

The recent EAT decision in Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltd shows that withdrawing a job offer can still land you with a contract claim, and potentially a significant notice pay bill.

“Subject to” is not the safety net many employers assume. This is a must-read for anyone involved in recruitment: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/withdrawing-job-offers-why-subject-to-does-not-mean-risk-free/

In Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) confirmed that a binding contract...

12/05/2026

BDBF is growing!

We are looking for dynamic Employment Lawyers ranging from 1+ years PQE to join our growing team based at our Bank office!

Are you ready to take the next step in your career with a forward-thinking, ambitious Tier 1 ranked firm that truly values its people?

Whether you are relatively new to employment law or an experienced lawyer looking for a genuinely agile environment where your voice matters, we’d love to hear from you.

At BDBF, we’re all about doing the best work on the most challenging and interesting cases, while maintaining a healthy, sustainable working environment.

If that sounds like the kind of culture you want to be part of, get in touch!
https://www.bdbf.co.uk/working-with-us/

We’re growing – and we’d love for you to grow with us.