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

EPISODE · May 26, 2026 · 27 MIN

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

from The BDBF Podcast: News and Insights for the Employment Law Community · host BDBF LLP

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 2027Practical implications for employers and employees, including changes to dismissal rights and compensationBuilding organisational capacity and adapting to evolving case lawNavigating political uncertainty and preparing for further legislative developmentsWith a generation-defining shift in employment law on the horizon, looking to the past might be our best way forward.Contact BDBFThank 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 [email protected] Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: [email protected]: +44(0)20 3828 0350Connect 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/Gareth Brahamslinkedin.com/in/garethbrahamsGareth 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.

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 2027Practical implications for employers and employees, including changes to dismissal rights and compensationBuilding organisational capacity and adapting to evolving case lawNavigating political uncertainty and preparing for further legislative developmentsWith a generation-defining shift in employment law on the horizon, looking to the past might be our best way forward.Contact BDBFThank 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 [email protected] Find out more:Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/Email: [email protected]: +44(0)20 3828 0350Connect 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/Gareth Brahamslinkedin.com/in/garethbrahamsGareth 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.

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

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This episode was published on May 26, 2026.

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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...

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