1997 vs 2027: What History Can Teach Us About the Employment Rights Act

Can Blair's 1997 reforms help the employment law sector prepare for the forthcoming ERA changes?

In this episode, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by BDBF managing partner Gareth Brahams to draw a direct line between Blair's 1997 employment law reforms and the major changes set to arrive with the Employment Rights Act in 2027.

Drawing on three decades of practice, Gareth traces the parallels between then and now: the reduction of unfair dismissal qualifying periods, rising compensation caps, and the introduction of Working Time Regulations – and what they can tell us about what's coming next.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The scope and background of the Employment Rights Act reforms coming later this year and in 2027
• Practical implications for employers and employees, including changes to dismissal rights and compensation
• Building organisational capacity and adapting to evolving case law
• Navigating political uncertainty and preparing for further legislative developments

With a generation-defining shift in employment law on the horizon, looking to the past might be our best way forward.

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Gareth Brahams

linkedin.com/in/garethbrahams

Gareth Brahams is the managing partner at BDBF and a recognised leader in the field of employment law.

He has nearly 30 years of experience in employment law advising senior executives and other employees in high value/high stakes cases, large and small employers, partners and members of LLPs.