Littler joined Byrne Dean to deliver a three-part podcast series exploring how employers can manage people effectively in a higher-stakes workplace, in light of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Across the series, we examine how upcoming reforms – ranging from strengthened duties and potential liability for employers in respect of workplace harassment to the fundamental shift in unfair dismissal rights – significantly changing the landscape for employers when it comes to proactive risk management. These changes raise the bar for employers, requiring forward planning, attention on policies and processes and greater focus on equipping managers to handle issues effectively.
Through practical insights from specialists, each episode explores what these changes mean in practice and how organisations can equip their managers to respond.
To learn more about how Littler can support your organisation through these changes, explore our Employment Rights Act 2025 and Prevention of Workplace Harassment products and services.
Episode 1: Speaking Up About Harassment
Fostering a speak-up culture in a higher-stakes legal environment with Natasha Adom, Partner and Head of Client Training Partner at Littler, and Amanda Okill, Principal Consultant at Byrne Dean.
From October 2026, the duty shifts to “all reasonable steps” – and NDAs can no longer silence complaints. Natasha Adom unpacks the legal changes; Amanda Okill explores what they require of managers in practice.
Episode 2: The First Six Months
Managing probation in a six-month unfair dismissal world with Laura Lobb, Partner at Littler and Amanda Okill, Principal Consultant at Byrne Dean.
From January 2027, employees can bring unfair dismissal claims after just six months and the compensation cap will be removed. For managers familiar with a longer settling-in window, this changes everything. Laura Lobb explains the legal shift; Amanda Okill explores what managers need to do differently to make probation count.
Episode 3: When the Client Behaves Badly
Third party harassment and the October 2026 duty with Philip Cameron, Partner at Littler, and Amanda Okill, Principal Consultant at Byrne Dean.
From October 2026, employers are responsible for harassment of staff by clients, customers and contractors – across any protected characteristic. Philip Cameron explains what the duty requires; Amanda Okill explores the cultural shift it demands, and what it means to give managers the permission and backing to act.
