DPH Legal

02/09/2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will strengthen flexible working rights from 2027. Find out how the changes could affect you with DPH Legal.

02/09/2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 marks a major shift in how employers must approach flexible working requests.

Starting in 2027, employees will be able to request flexible working from day one of employment. Although employers will retain the right to decline requests for valid commercial reasons, they will face a noticeably stricter test to defend their decisions.

With employment tribunals preparing to scrutinise refusal processes and potential indirect discrimination risks more closely, early preparation is essential. Employers should act now to review existing policies and train managers effectively.

Read our latest article for practical guidance on preparing your business for these upcoming legislative reforms.

https://dphlegal.com/employment-rights-act-2025-how-flexible-working-rights-are-changing/

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will strengthen flexible working rights from 2027. Find out how the changes could affect you with DPH Legal.

19/08/2026

If you are an employee seeking to calculate the real value of an unfair dismissal claim, you need to look beyond national averages.

Although recent statistics record an average tribunal award of around £14,000 for unfair dismissal, your actual compensation depends entirely on your specific circumstances, financial losses, length of service, and age.

Because tribunal awards are designed to compensate for genuine financial harm rather than punish employers, two similar cases can result in vastly different outcomes. Calculating a realistic claim requires navigating complex statutory caps, including the current weekly pay limit of £751, alongside upcoming legislative changes due to take effect on 1 January 2027.

Getting expert legal advice early helps you understand your true entitlements and navigate strict ACAS time limits. Read our complete guide to learn how awards are calculated.

https://dphlegal.com/average-unfair-dismissal-compensation-in-the-uk-how-awards-are-calculated/

Learn how unfair dismissal compensation in the UK is calculated. Understand basic compensatory awards and claim values.

18/08/2026

On Wednesday 9 September 2026, the DPH Legal team will be stepping up to take part in supporting access to justice for all at the Reading Legal Walk.

Our colleagues Tania Bain, Jesica Gurung, Charlotte Gill, Emily Rees, Roxanne Ward, and Qaynat Ditta will be walking 10 kilometres through Reading alongside fellow members of the legal community to support local advice charities working tirelessly to keep free legal advice accessible to all.

With the continuous rise in the cost of living, charities providing free legal support are under more pressure than ever, and millions of households are struggling to keep up with essential bills. The funds we raise are vital to ensuring these charities can continue to provide accessible legal services to vulnerable people in our community.

No one should have to face life's toughest legal battles alone simply because they can't pay for representation. By taking part, our team is helping to ensure that access to justice is not a privilege, but a right available to all. Every step we take and every penny we raise brings us closer to a community where support is accessible to everyone.

If you’re able, we’d be so grateful for your sponsorship. You can donate by clicking on the link below:
https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/dph-legal-2026

Thank you for supporting our team for the Reading Legal Walk 2026. Our team is: Tania Bain, Jesica Gurung, Charlotte Gill, Emily Rees and Roxanne Ward and Qaynat Ditta.We are taking on a sponsored 10k

12/08/2026

Employment disputes do not always need to end in costly and stressful employment tribunal hearings. For both employers and employees, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provides a highly effective way to settle workplace conflicts with greater control over the final outcome.

Our latest article explains how ADR processes like ACAS Early Conciliation and Judicial Mediation actually work in practice. These confidential methods are specifically designed to save time, minimise legal expenses, and reduce the uncertainty associated with formal tribunal proceedings.

Whether you’re navigating an unfair dismissal claim or a complex discrimination dispute, it’s important to understand the early resolution options available to you. Read the full article to discover how ADR can benefit you.

https://dphlegal.com/what-is-alternative-dispute-resolution-in-employment-law/

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Whatever workplace dispute you may be facing, understanding how ADR works can help you make informed decisions.

11/08/2026

Our DPH Legal Summer 2026 News Bulletin highlights the upcoming Employment Rights Act reforms, including new protections against unfair dismissal scheduled to take effect in January 2027.

Additionally, we cover recent rulings on gender-critical beliefs and sex-based rights. We also discuss the new October 2026 law requiring employers to prevent third-party harassment of staff, and clarify the rules regarding the right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance meetings.

Staying informed is vital for effective risk management and compliance. Click the link below to read our full bulletin and ensure your business remains protected:

https://mailchi.mp/dphlegal/dph-legal-summer-2026-news-bulletin-17303042

Najia advises employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues, including unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, disciplinary and grievance issues, and claims at the Employment Tribunal. She also has extensive experience in preparing and advising on settlement agreements, employm...

05/08/2026

Facing an Employment Tribunal claim is stressful, but what happens when a business is subjected to repeated, baseless litigation? The recent ruling in Attorney General v Messi offers crucial reassurance for employers navigating vexatious claims.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal issued an indefinite restriction of proceedings order against a serial claimant who brought over fifty meritless cases. Acting as a judicial filter, this order requires the individual to secure legal permission before launching future claims. It effectively stops abusive litigation without entirely removing access to justice.

Our latest article explores this ruling and the practical steps employers can take when facing repeated weak claims. Learn how to identify warning signs, build a robust evidence trail, and protect your operations.

You can find it here:
https://dphlegal.com/vexatious-employment-tribunal-claims-what-employers-can-learn-from-attorney-general-v-messi/

The EAT granted a restriction order in Attorney General v Messi. Learn what this means for employers facing vexatious employment tribunal claims.

29/07/2026

For employers planning to restructure or downsize, failing to follow the correct collective redundancy procedures can lead to severe financial and legal consequences. Strict legal obligations automatically apply when twenty or more redundancies are proposed at a single establishment within a period of ninety days.

Skipping or rushing the collective consultation process gives affected employees the right to claim a protective award. This severe penalty can cost employers up to ninety days of gross pay per employee, with no minimum service required and no statutory cap on weekly pay.

With the Employment Rights Act 2025 set to strengthen these obligations, getting the process right is more critical than ever. Read our latest article to understand the rules and protect your business from costly tribunal claims.

https://dphlegal.com/what-happens-if-an-employer-fails-to-consult-on-collective-redundancy/

What happens if employers fail to consult on collective redundancy? Learn about protective awards and your employment rights.

15/07/2026

Do you know your rights at work? UK employment law can feel confusing at times, but knowing where you stand is vital. Whether you are an employee wanting to protect your interests or an employer aiming to build a fair and legally compliant workplace, clarity is key.

Our team at DPH Legal has created a comprehensive guide to help you make sense of the different aspects of employment law. We cover the entire employment journey, explaining everything from starting a new job, minimum wage, and holiday pay, to navigating maternity leave, workplace discrimination, and redundancy.

Protect yourself by staying informed about your workplace rights.

You can find our complete guide here:
https://dphlegal.com/a-complete-guide-to-employee-rights/

Discover your rights as an employee in the UK with this complete guide from DPH Legal. Learn about pay, working hours, leave, workplace protections, and more.

08/07/2026

Heidi Cooper recently joined DPH Legal as an Employment Solicitor, and we are excited to have her as part of the team!

Heidi is focuses on representing employees and senior executives in workplace disputes, combining strategic litigation expertise with a highly effective negotiation style. She also brings significant experience advising employers, giving her a well-rounded and commercially informed perspective.

Originally from North Wales, Heidi studied law with the Open University before completing her Legal Practice Course and Master’s degree at the University of Law in Birmingham. She trained and qualified at a Top 60 award winning UK law firm, where she spent over ten years specialising in employment law.

Heidi works with both employees and employers, with a particular focus on supporting individuals through complex and often high-stakes situations. She advises on unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, grievances, redundancies and TUPE, as well as senior-level exits.

Heidi is particularly experienced in negotiating settlement agreements and exit packages, and in preparing robust pre-action correspondence to set the tone and strategy for successful resolution.

Known for her direct and pragmatic style, Heidi provides clear, no-nonsense advice tailored to her clients’ objectives. She combines strong technical expertise with emotional intelligence, recognising the personal impact workplace issues can have. Her focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome, whether that is through early resolution or formal proceedings.

Alongside her legal practice, Heidi is a regular speaker and advocate for menopause in the workplace. She is an Independent Panel Member for the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and an Employment Rights Act champion, advising on forthcoming legislative changes and their practical impact for both employees and employers.

Outside of work, Heidi enjoys travel, live music, sailing and most things outdoors. When she is not working, you will often find her out exploring in her motorhome. She also has a love of jazz and is currently learning to play the saxophone.

Feel free to contact Heidi if you need legal advice about an employment issue in your workplace. You can find her contact details on our website:

https://dphlegal.com/our-team/