Podcasts
The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community is the go-to resource for staying ahead in the dynamic world of employment law. It delivers timely updates, expert breakdowns and practical guidance tailored to this fast-changing area of practice. In every episode, listeners gain access to thoughtful conversations with leading experts in the field. Whether you’re looking to keep up with the latest case law, understand how fresh rules apply in real-world scenarios, or find effective approaches to handling employment challenges, this podcast delivers focused, practical content crafted especially for the employment law audience. Find links to our informative podcasts below.
Rice v Wicked Vision & The Whistleblowing Loophole
Tailor not hemmed in by long non-compete – Tom James UK Limited v Max Potter
In our latest episode, Tom McLaughlin and Jamie Barton break down the High Court’s ruling in Tom James UK Ltd v Max Potter, where a global tailoring giant’s worldwide 12-month restriction was ruled unenforceable. Tune in for sharp insights on drafting enforceable covenants, real-world risks and smarter ways to safeguard your business. This is a must-listen for employment lawyers, HR professionals and business owners handling exits.
Legal risks for “up or out” career models
– Pal v Accenture UK
In our latest episode, Samantha Prosser and James Hockley unpack the EAT’s ruling in Pal v Accenture UK Limited, which exposed cracks in unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and procedural fairness. Get the inside scoop on tribunal pitfalls, EAT guidance and practical tips to safeguard HR strategies. With unfair dismissal reforms looming in 2027, this is a must-listen for HR leaders, employment lawyers and business decision-makers.
ACAS Early Conciliation in the Court of Appeal – Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent Limited
In Reynolds v Abel Estate Agents Limited, the Court of Appeal clarified a crucial distinction: starting a new claim vs. amending an existing one – and how that impacts the mandatory early conciliation requirement.
In the latest BDBF Podcast, Tom McLaughlin and Knowledge Lawyer Rose Lim unpack the facts, statutory framework, amendment rules, interim relief interaction, and practical strategies for claimants, respondents and employment lawyers.
This is a must-listen for anyone dealing with tribunal procedure and early conciliation.
Employment Rights Act 2025
– Changes to unfair dismissal
In this episode of The BDBF Podcast, BDBF 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.
They explore exactly how the new framework will work on the ground, the expected surge in tribunal claims, the real-world impact of uncapped awards, why settlement strategies will need a serious rethink and the wider ripple effects on tribunals and public sector employers alike.
Litigating informal promises
– Dixon v GlobalData Plc
In this latest episode, host Tom McLaughlin and BDBF Partner Paula Chan unpack the High Court’s decision in Dixon v GlobalData Plc and its implications for informal promises made about share option agreements. They 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.
Gareth Brahams reflects on 30 years in practice
In this special episode of The BDBF Podcast, host Tom McLaughlin sits down with BDBF Managing Partner Gareth Brahams to celebrate the firm’s 13th anniversary and Gareth’s 30 remarkable years in the field. This candid and reflective conversation looks back at how employment law has evolved, the landmark cases that defined eras, shifting workplace cultures and forward-looking thoughts on tech’s future impact.
Whistleblowing – who knows what? Henderson v GCRM
In our latest episode, host Tom McLaughlin is joined by BDBF Associate 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 set 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 provide practical advice on the hurdles whistleblowers face (evidentiary/procedural) and best practices for employers managing disclosures.
Suing overseas Respondents
– Prahl v Lapinski
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.