BDBF Employment Law

BDBF celebrates its 13th year of Band 1 rankings for Employment: Senior Executive following the release of the 2027 Guide by @ChambersGuides. Six of BDBF’s partners have been individually ranked for their expertise and leadership in the field, including @gareth_brahams, @ClaireDawsonLaw and @MissPaulaChan who are all ranked Band 1. Regulatory specialist, Nick Wilcox also moves up to Band 2 and recently returned Investigations and Mediation Partner, @pollyrodway1 features highly in the rankings again for her expertise. We are delighted to see talented Senior Associate Leigh Janes and Associate Roshan Dykes 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: bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-celebrates-1… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #chambersuk2027 #seniorexecutive #band1

Significant reforms to the whistleblowing framework are now under consultation, alongside a proposed financial reward scheme for individuals who report economic crime to the Serious Fraud Office. These changes could reshape how organisations handle protected disclosures. Our latest article walks through the main proposals and the practical questions employers should be considering. Read more here: bdbf.co.uk/government-consul… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #whistleblowing

The Government has launched a consultation on reforming the employment status framework and strengthening protections for the self-employed. These changes could have wide-reaching implications for how organisations engage consultants and contingent workers. Our article summarises the key proposals and what they may mean in practice. Read the full briefing: bdbf.co.uk/new-consultation-… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

BDBF has been ranked in @thetimes Best Law Firms 2027 for employment law. This recognition reflects the quality of work our team delivers every day. We are proud of our incredible team for all their hard work and grateful to our clients for their continued trust and feedback. Congratulations to all our peers recognised alongside us. Read more here: thetimes.com/best-law-firms/… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #LegalExcellence #bestlawfirms

We’re delighted to share that BDBF Partner, @pollyrodway1, has been nominated for the @WDLAwards 2027. This nomination follows Polly’s return to the BDBF partnership on 1 October to lead our dedicated Investigations and Mediation practice. The awards recognise individuals and organisations helping to make the UK legal profession more diverse and inclusive. We’re proud to see Polly’s contribution acknowledged in this way. Congratulations to her and to all the nominees. #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #WomenAndDiversityInLawAwards

We’re delighted to share that BDBF Partner, @pollyrodway1, has been nominated for the @WDLAwards 2027. This nomination follows Polly’s return to the BDBF partnership on 1 October to lead our dedicated Investigations and Mediation practice. The awards recognise individuals and organisations helping to make the UK legal profession more diverse and inclusive. We’re proud to see Polly’s contribution acknowledged in this way. Congratulations to her and to all the nominees. #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #WomenAndDiversityInLawAwards

A recent EAT decision offers a timely reminder for employers facing unfair dismissal claims. In Kirkland v Hawthorn Education Services, the tribunal confirmed that the burden sits firmly with the employer to prove that a former employee acted unreasonably in failing to mitigate their losses. With the forthcoming changes that will lower the unfair dismissal qualifying period and remove the compensation cap, getting this right is set to become even more critical. Our latest article breaks down the case and the practical steps employers should take. Read more here: bdbf.co.uk/employer-has-burd… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #unfairdismissal

BDBF welcomes Isabella Milnes-James as its newest associate. Isabella advises both employees and employers on the full range of employment and advisory matters and brings a focused interest in workplace sexual harassment prevention. @gareth_brahams, Managing Partner said, “Isabella’s deep interest in employment law, combined with her intellect will be a real asset to the team as we continue to expand.” Read more: bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-bolsters-its… #newhire #welcometotheteam #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

BDBF Partner @ClaireDawsonLaw will be attending and moderating a panel at the ABA 20th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference in Washington, DC this week. The conference is the @abalel’s flagship event of the year. It brings together leading practitioners, in-house counsel and academics for in-depth programming on the most pressing developments across the full spectrum of labour and employment law. Claire, who serves as a Co-Chair of the ABA’s International Labor & Employment Law Committee, will moderate a panel examining “Complex Investigations Across Borders.” The session will explore the challenges of regulating political and social expression at work in an era of heightened workplace activism, drawing on perspectives from multiple jurisdictions. #employmentlaw #aba

BDBF lawyer spotlight – Roshan Dykes. Roshan is an Associate providing pragmatic and strategic advice to both employers and employees on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment issues. He has experience across professional and financial services, technology, media and healthcare, regularly guiding clients through disciplinary, grievance and performance processes, dismissals, contractual issues including post-termination restrictions, and Employment Tribunal claims involving whistleblowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal. He is ranked as an “Associate to Watch” in this year’s Chambers UK guide, with clients describing him as incredible, professional and supportive. Discover more about Roshan’s expertise by reading his bio here: bdbf.co.uk/the-team/roshan-d… Read more about BDBF’s Chambers rankings here: bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-celebrates-1… #LawyerSpotlight #ChambersUK #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

BDBF lawyer spotlight – Leigh Janes. Leigh is an experienced Senior Associate acting for employees and employers, with particular expertise in discrimination, whistleblowing, post-termination restrictions and complex workplace issues. She is ranked as an “Associate to Watch” in this year’s Chambers UK guide, with clients praising her comprehensive, risk-based advice, strategic approach and readiness to go above and beyond. Discover more about Leigh’s expertise by reading her bio here: bdbf.co.uk/the-team/leigh-ja… Read more about BDBF’s Chambers rankings here: bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-celebrates-1… #LawyerSpotlight #ChambersUK #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

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: bdbf.co.uk/wp-content/upload… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #WorldMenopauseDay #menopauseatwork #menopause

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: bdbf.co.uk/employer-duty-to-… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #sexualharassment

World Menopause Day is almost here, and half the workforce is still navigating it in silence. Join BDBF’s Principal Knowledge Lawyer @AmandaSteadma15 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: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_… #WorldMenopauseDay #menopauseatwork #workplacewellbeing #employmentlaw #ukemplaw

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: bdbf.co.uk/dismissal-for-exp… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #protectedbelief #EqualityAct

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: bdbf.co.uk/government-sets-o… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #bereavementleave

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: podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcas… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/32o… 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. #TheBDBFPodcast #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

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: bdbf.co.uk/new-flexible-work… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #flexibleworking

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: bdbf.co.uk/bdbf-further-expa… #newhires #welcometotheteam #ukemplaw #employmentlaw

Big change is coming for Employment Tribunals. From 1 October 2026, the time limit for most claims doubled from three months to six. That shift will affect everything from settlement timing and document retention to how long employers face uncertainty over potential claims. If you advise on or manage employment risk, this is one update you cannot afford to miss. Read the full analysis here: bdbf.co.uk/extension-of-empl… #ukemplaw #employmentlaw #employmenttribunaltimelimits