Employment law 5 in 5: October 2024

At a glance

• Extensive overhaul of UK workers' rights.
• Updated Guide to EU Whistleblower Protection Directive.
• Focus on Germany.
• Developments in the Americas.
• APAC employment seminars 2024.

Prepare: Extensive overhaul of UK workers' rights

The UK government published its Employment Rights Bill 2024. The Bill contains 28 new measures, many of which will transform the employment law landscape and require employers to adopt new practices and procedures. The Bill provides individuals with greater workplace rights and security and restricts employer flexibility. Read more about changes to unfair dismissal rights, workplace harassment, and fire and rehire.

Updated: Guide to EU Whistleblower Protection Directive

Global employers should continue to take steps to comply with the Whistleblower Protection Directive as the regulatory requirements evolve. The new Polish whistleblowing laws came into force on 25 September 2024, and the National Integrity Agency published guidance on Romanian laws. 

Access our updated Guide to implementation of the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive for detailed information on implementing laws in 20 countries. 

In focus: Germany

The German government introduced several legislative initiatives and laws with implications for employers. From 1 January 2025, employers will be able to provide information about key contractual employment terms by email; written proof is no longer required. 

The federal government also approved changes to encourage older people to work beyond retirement age. The changes are expected to be implemented between January and July 2025. A second draft bill for a law on collective bargaining agreements and a draft of a new Employee Data Act have been presented.

Monitor: Developments in the Americas

In the US, the FTC appealed the Texas court decision halting its rule banning nearly all non-competes, as well as a separate preliminary injunction of the rule by a federal court in Florida. The appeals set up fights in the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits and create the potential for a circuit split that ultimately could draw the attention of the Supreme Court.  

US employers are preparing for a host of new state laws that will take effect in 2025, including in California and Illinois.  

In Canada, Ontario’s Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act will come into force in July 2025; Quebec’s Bill 96 modified the Charter of the French Language; and changes to Quebec’s workplace psychological harassment legislation took effect.

Attend:  APAC employment seminars 2024

Our annual APAC employment seminar will provide insights on the latest employment trends and challenges, including an interactive panel discussion on handling underperforming employees. You can also join our masterclass on workplace investigations in Hong Kong or Singapore.