The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community

BDBF LLP

The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community is the authoritative podcast for the latest developments, expert analysis, and practical guidance within the constantly evolving field of employment law. Each episode presents in-depth discussions with prominent professionals, examining complex legal precedents, legislative amendments, and emerging trends that affect employers, employees, and legal practitioners. Whether seeking to remain current on recent judicial decisions, comprehend the practical ramifications of new regulations, or acquire actionable strategies for managing workplace issues, our podcast provides substantive content specifically designed for the employment law community. Subscribe to remain informed and equip yourself with the essential knowledge required in today’s dynamic legal environment.

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Reynolds v Abel Estate Agents Limited | Key Guidance on Detriment Claims and Early Conciliation

    When can a detriment claim bypass ACAS early conciliation? The Court of Appeal sets the rules in Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent Limited.  In this episode of The BDBF Podcast, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by Knowledge Lawyer Rose Lim to unpack the Court of Appeal’s decision in Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent Limited and its implications for ACAS early conciliation requirements. Tom and Rose break down the statutory framework behind early conciliation and the Court’s clarification of a critical distinction: bringing a new claim versus amending an existing one.  Listeners will gain insights into: The facts and procedural history of Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent LimitedWhen early conciliation operates as a jurisdictional barHow interim relief interacts with ACAS requirementsThe Court of Appeal’s approach to amendments and claim validityThe strategic implications for claimants, respondents and practitioners Packed with practical guidance and procedural insight, this episode is essential listening for employment lawyers, HR professionals and anyone navigating tribunal claims under the early conciliation regime. The podcast discusses the cases of: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd v Clark & Ors [2023] EWCA Civ 386 Pryce v Baxterstorey Limited [2022] EAT 61 Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBF Thank you for tuning in toThe BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk  Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.uk Phone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/ Sign up to our newsletter: www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ Rose Lim https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-l-40a345b0/ Rosie is a knowledge lawyer at BDBF, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in employment law. She supports the delivery of first-class training and know-how for both the firm and its clients.

    14 min
  2. 23 FEB

    A New Era for Unfair Dismissal | The Employment Rights Act Reforms Explained

    How Will the New Unfair Dismissal Regime Transform Employment Tribunal Claims for Employers and Employees? In this episode of The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, partners Claire Dawson and Paula Chan examine the sweeping reforms to unfair dismissal law coming into force on 1 January 2027 under the Employment Rights Act. Moving beyond the headlines, Claire and Paula unpack how shorter qualifying periods and uncapped compensation will affect unfair dismissal litigation, and what these changes mean in practice for the employment tribunal system. Listeners will gain insights into: How the new unfair dismissal framework will operate The anticipated rise in employment tribunal claims The implications of removing the unfair dismissal compensation capHow employers’ settlement strategies may need to adaptThe broader consequences for the tribunal system and public sector employers\ As the UK employment law landscape prepares for its most substantial transformation in decades, this episode is essential listening for employers, HR professionals and employment lawyers navigating a new and uncertain era in unfair dismissal law. Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBFThank you for tuning in toThe BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive into practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.ukPhone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/Sign up to our newsletter:www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ Guest InfoClaire Dawson linkedin.com/in/claire-dawson/ Recognised leader in the field of employment law. Ranked in Band 1 as a leading individual for Employment: Senior Executive in Chambers UK 2025 and a Leading Partner for Employment: Senior Executives in Legal 500 UK 2026 Paula Chan linkedin.com/in/paulachan/ Ranked Band 1 by Chambers 2026 for Employment: Senior Executives and recognised as a leading partner by Legal 500 2026, specialist employment lawyer Paula Chan advises individuals, partners and employers. She has experience in high-profile employee and partner exits and significant disputes involving whistleblowing, breach of contract and discrimination.

    34 min
  3. 16 FEB

    Litigating Informal Promises | The Dixon v GlobalData Plc Decision

    The Consequences of Informal Promises in Share Option Agreements: What Dixon v GlobalData Plc Means in Practice… In this episode of The BDBF Podcast, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by partner Paula Chan to unpack the High Court’s decision in Dixon v GlobalData Plc and its implications for informal promises made about share option agreements. Tom and Paula examine how verbal assurances about share options led to complex litigation after the employee’s departure, and what the decision means for employers and employees involved in equity-based reward structures. Listeners will gain insights into: The factual background to the Dixon v GlobalData Plc disputeHow proprietary estoppel can arise in share option agreement casesThe risks created by informal or poorly documented equity promisesThe court’s reasoning and approachPractical steps to reduce disputes in share plan and incentive arrangementsThe importance of clear drafting and legal advice in employment negotiations Packed with strategic insight, this episode is essential listening for employment lawyers, HR professionals, and business leaders dealing with share option agreements and executive incentive plans. Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBF Thank you for tuning in toThe BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk  Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.uk Phone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/ Sign up to our newsletter: www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ Paula Chan https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulachan/ Specialist employment lawyer advising senior executives, partners, and employers, with experience in high-profile employee exits and significant disputes involving whistleblowing, breach of contract, and workplace discrimination.

    19 min
  4. 9 FEB

    Gareth Brahams: 30 Years in Employment Law | Insights from a Founding Partner

    In a special episode of The BDBF Podcast, Tom McLaughlin sits down with BDBF founding partner Gareth Brahams to mark the firm’s 13th anniversary and Gareth’s 30-year career in employment law. Departing from the usual legal updates, the conversation offers a rich, reflective look at Gareth’s career journey, the evolution of the profession, and the landmark cases and trends that have shaped the field. The episode traces Gareth’s early career, from his first role in 1995 and the limited scope of employment law at the time, through his experiences in tribunal advocacy, senior executive cases, and the founding of BDBF. Along the way, Gareth shares candid stories about technological shifts, the rise of standalone employment practices, law firm mergers, and his most memorable cases – including whistleblowing, discrimination, bonus litigation, and restrictive covenants. Listeners will gain insights into: The early state of employment law and tribunal work in the 1990sThe impact of technology and client expectations on legal practiceKey mergers and consolidation in the legal sectorShifts in case trends, legislation, and workplace culture over 30 yearsMentorship, professional values, and advice Gareth would give his younger selfHow AI and technological advances are shaping the future of employment law Packed full of practical insight, this episode is essential listening for employment law practitioners and anyone interested in the human side of a long and distinguished legal career. Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBF Thank you for tuning in to The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.ukPhone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/X: www.x.com/BDBF_LLP Sign up to our newsletter: www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ Tom McLaughlinwww.linkedin.com/in/emplwyrtomEmployment lawyer specialising in restrictive covenants, confidential information and team moves. Gareth Brahams linkedin.com/in/garethbrahams Employment lawyer who has fought and won some of the biggest cases in whistleblowing, discrimination, restrictive covenants and stress at work claims.

    28 min
  5. 2 FEB

    The Henderson v GCRM Employment Tribunal Case | Balancing Protections & Employer Defenses

    The Henderson v GCRM Implication: What The EAT Decision Really Means In Practice In this episode of The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by employment law specialist Abdullah Ahmed to analyse the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision in Henderson v GCRM and its implications for whistleblowing protection under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Tom and Abdullah begin by setting out the factual background to the case, including the disclosures made by Mr Henderson, the alleged detriments he claimed to have suffered, and the findings of the Employment Tribunal at first instance. They also explore: - What qualifies as a protected disclosure under the legislation - The burden of proof in whistleblowing detriment claims - Establishing causation between disclosure and alleged detriment - The relevance of decision-maker knowledge and motivation Lessons from key authorities including Jhuti and Fecitt The discussion details the EAT's reasoning on protected disclosures, focusing on the challenge for claimants when the decision-maker is unaware of the disclosure. Tom and Abdullah examine vicarious liability, the split between individual and corporate responsibility, and the necessity of precise legal pleadings in whistleblowing cases. The episode ends with practical advice on the hurdles whistleblowers face (evidentiary/procedural) and best practices for employers managing disclosures. In addition to the lawyers mentioned in the Episode, Barry Ross of Crossland Solicitors instructed David Hay KC and Chris Milsom. Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBF Thank you for tuning in to The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.uk Phone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/ X: www.x.com/BDBF_LLP Sign up to our newsletter: www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ Tom McLaughlin www.linkedin.com/in/emplwyrtom           Employment lawyer specialising in restrictive covenants, confidential information and team moves Abdullah Ahmed www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-idris-ahmed Specialist in employment law, acting as an Associate, with experience advising on the full scope of employment matters.

    23 min
  6. 26 JAN

    Challenges in Cross-Border Employment Litigation | The Jurisdictional Jigsaw

    Cross-border Employment Claims After Brexit: What Prahl v Lapinski Means in Practice… In this episode of The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by colleagues: Partner Claire Dawson and Managing Associate Theo Nicou to unpack the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision in Prahl v Lapinski and its implications for international employment claims. The three explore the jurisdictional challenges that arise when overseas respondents are involved in UK employment tribunal proceedings, with a particular focus on how the post-Brexit legal landscape has reshaped established principles. Tom, Claire and Theo examine recent developments around the service of claim forms on international parties and the tribunals’ increasingly expansive interpretation of “employee” and “employer” in cross-border cases. The episode also explores: Jurisdictional hurdles in claims involving overseas respondentsService of tribunal claims under the post-Brexit regimeHow Brexit has affected enforceability and procedural strategyThe widening interpretation of employment relationshipsPractical steps to manage risk in international disputesThe ongoing Court of Appeal case and its impact on cross-border employment law.Packed with practical guidance and strategic insight, this episode is essential listening for employment law professionals advising on or litigating international employment claims in an increasingly complex jurisdictional environment. Disclaimer: Views of external guest speakers do not represent those of BDBF. Contact BDBF Thank you for tuning in toThe BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community, where we dive practical guidance, expert analysis, and updates on employment law developments. For more behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and expert insights, please visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform. We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line podcast@bdbf.co.uk Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: info@bdbf.co.ukPhone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 Connect with us:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/X: www.x.com/BDBF_LLP Sign up to our newsletter:www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/

    28 min

About

The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community is the authoritative podcast for the latest developments, expert analysis, and practical guidance within the constantly evolving field of employment law. Each episode presents in-depth discussions with prominent professionals, examining complex legal precedents, legislative amendments, and emerging trends that affect employers, employees, and legal practitioners. Whether seeking to remain current on recent judicial decisions, comprehend the practical ramifications of new regulations, or acquire actionable strategies for managing workplace issues, our podcast provides substantive content specifically designed for the employment law community. Subscribe to remain informed and equip yourself with the essential knowledge required in today’s dynamic legal environment.

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