In this episode, Connor Heaney is joined once again by Gareth Walls, Partner at A&L Goodbody, for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the seismic changes shaking the foundations of employment law in the UK and Northern Ireland. From the controversial Employment Rights Bill and the implications of IR35 to the rise of AI in legal practice and the changing DNA of the modern workforce, Gareth offers expert insights grounded in decades of experience. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how legal frameworks are struggling to keep pace with modern business realities—and what employers, HR leaders, and legal professionals need to do to stay ahead.
✅ Key Takeaways
Employment Rights Bill: Gareth breaks down why the proposed reforms are well-intentioned but deeply flawed, especially around day-one unfair dismissal rights and zero-hour contracts.
IR35 Chaos: The Mantides v HMRC case illustrates how inconsistent and confusing the UK’s employment status legislation remains.
Legal Tech & AI: Law firms are evolving. AI is already reshaping trainee roles and the future of legal service delivery.
Labour Market Flexibility: Proposed changes risk damaging the UK’s flexible labour model, particularly for SMEs.
Global Workforce Trends: The expectations of employees have shifted dramatically post-COVID, and employers need to keep up—or risk losing top talent.
The DNA of Work is Changing: Employees expect flexibility, purpose, and faster career progression, challenging traditional business and legal norms.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Gareth’s background
02:00 – Employment Rights Bill: context and early criticisms
05:15 – Day-one unfair dismissal rights: risks for employers
08:20 – Gareth’s origin story & career journey
12:45 – Discussion on working abroad
16:00 – The evolution of legal careers & training
18:30 – Labour market flexibility & zero-hour contracts
23:00 – Flexible working rights: substance vs soundbites
26:00 – Probation periods & dismissal confusion
30:00 – Impact on small and medium businesses
33:30 – Legal responsibilities shifting from state to employer
38:00 – IR35 chaos: the Mantides case
45:00 – Post-COVID workforce and return-to-office dilemmas
49:00 – Are RTO mandates legally enforceable?
53:00 – AI’s impact on law firms & training
59:00 – New areas of law & legal tech transformation
01:04:00 – Final thoughts: politics, pendulum shifts & the future of work
