BDBF LLP

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.

12/05/2026

Accepted the offer. Handed in your notice. Then the new job disappears.

What’s the real cost, and who’s on the hook?

In the latest episode of The BDBF Podcast, Partners Gareth Brahams and Paula Chan break down the EAT’s decision in Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltd.

This ruling dives deep into what “reasonable notice” actually means when a contract is formed but the start date hasn’t arrived. It clarifies the critical difference between conditions precedent and subsequent, confirms that statutory minimum notice is not a ceiling and delivers hard lessons about the dangerous “resignation gap.”

Whether you’re advising employers on how to safely withdraw offers or guiding candidates on protecting themselves before they resign, this episode is packed with practical, tactical insights you won’t want to miss.

Listen now to discover how to navigate conditional offers, manage risk and avoid expensive pre-employment disputes.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bdbf-podcast-news-and-insights-for-the/id1872102375?i=1000767210170
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JDwAVVIbBWvK6248X6DgT?si=VTJqrpFcR0ifysfvYDExjA

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.

07/05/2026

TUPE has been a long-standing headache for many employers. Now the Government wants your views on how to reform it.

Their Call for Evidence is looking at everything from service provision changes to harmonising terms post-transfer. If you handle TUPE regularly, this could matter a lot.

We summarise what employers need to know: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/tupe-under-review-what-employers-need-to-know-about-the-governments-call-for-evidence/

The Department for Business and Trade has launched a wide-ranging review of the TUPE regulations. Employers have until 1 July 2026 to make their voices heard.

06/05/2026

The rules around trade union access to workplaces are changing, and the second consultation is now live.

From physical site access to digital channels, the Government is pushing for much stronger union rights, with tight response deadlines and serious penalties for non-compliance.

Read our latest breakdown of what the new Code of Practice could mean for employers: https://www.bdbf.co.uk/employment-rights-act-2025-second-consultation-launched-on-trade-union-access-rights/

On 8 April 2026, the Government published its response to the completed consultation on the new rights of trade unions to access workplaces, as well as a draft statutory Code of Practice on the practicalities of this right (the Code) and an accompanying second consultation on that Code.

28/04/2026

UK Whistleblowers: Could US-style bounties be coming your way?

In the latest episode of The BDBF Podcast, Partner Claire Dawson sits down with US whistleblower expert Mary Inman to explore how UK employees are increasingly looking across the Atlantic to access powerful US reward programs, where whistleblowers can claim 10–30% of recovered funds.

They unpack the shifting cultural tide and what a “bounty” system could mean for UK whistleblowing culture, protection and practice.

This is a must-listen for lawyers, compliance leaders and anyone navigating the global whistleblower landscape.

Tune in now:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bdbf-podcast-news-and-insights-for-the/id1872102375?i=1000763825399
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iovbOQByMTVQxdQWZsZVx?si=riK6Z97MT72kRQppdJK15g

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.