At a glance
- Shifting landscapes in United States.
- EU cuts corporate sustainability regulation.
- Focus on competing workplace rights.
- International employment law training courses.
- Join our International Employment Summit in New York.
United States: Shifting landscape
The US employment landscape continues to shift rapidly. On 21 February 2025, a federal district court enjoined the federal government from enforcing certain provisions of President Trump’s DEI Executive Orders (appeal pending). The preliminary injunction does not prevent the Attorney General from conducting investigations into what the government considers 'illegal DEI' programs. You can view EOs and alerts on our President Trump Executive Orders Hub.
On the non-compete front, the Federal Trade Commission launched a joint labour task force to focus on unfair and anti-competitive labour market conduct, including no-poach, non-solicitation and non-compete agreements. New York and Ohio also joined the list of states with proposed legislation to ban or restrict non-competes.
Monitor: EU cuts corporate sustainability regulation
The European Commission's recent proposals to simplify sustainability reporting and sustainability due diligence requirements encompass changes to two significant EU Directives, both of which have employment implications. Businesses are encouraged to assess their compliance strategies in light of the proposed changes, while monitoring progress of the Commission's legislative plans.
Focus: Competing workplace rights
The decision of the United Kingdom Court of Appeal in Higgs v Farmor’s School is the latest major case in the arena of competing workplace rights. Involving a school employee who made social media posts critiquing the teaching of same-sex relationships and gender fluidity in schools, the case highlights the difficulties employers can face in striking the delicate balance between conflicting opinions. It also underscores the importance of careful, context-specific assessments in cases involving the manifestation of beliefs.
Learn: International Employment law training courses
Are you an international in-house lawyer, HR professional, or people manager responsible for providing employment law or HR support? Our international training courses are designed with you in mind. These half day workshops, delivered by a local employment lawyer, provide an overview of key themes you need to know about employment law and best practice in your chosen country. Our courses give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss practical solutions to real life issues and are valuable for anyone managing the challenges of entering into, operating in, or exiting from the relevant country. Courses for 2025 will cover Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Poland, Romania, UAE, KSA, Belgium, Netherlands, Nordics, Czech, Spain and Italy.
Join: International Employment Summit in New York
Join our partners from around the world for a summit in New York on 30 April 2025, from 14:00 – 17:00, followed by a reception. Our partners will explore global employment trends and risks shaping 2025 and beyond, as well as strategies to help companies realize the value of global workforce projects. Register here.
More to explore
Employment law 5 in 5: January 2025
Five developments to read for January in less than five minutes.
