Employment law 5 in 5: July 2025

At a glance

• Significant reforms driving forward in UK. 
• Prepare for whistleblowing changes in Japan. 
• Focus on developments in the US. 
• Labour reforms in Colombia. 
• Listen to our AI and Employment Podcast. 

UK: Significant reforms driving forward

The government has published an implementation timetable for the Employment Rights Bill. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in September 2025 but many of its provisions will not come into force until Autumn 2026 and beyond, including the 'day 1' right to claim unfair dismissal which will come into force in 2027. Late 2025 and early 2026 will see extensive consultation on the detail of regulations supplementing the Bill.

Various government amendments to the Bill have been published, including significant restrictions on non-disclosure agreements related to workplace harassment or discrimination. Separately, the government has also launched a review of all parental leave and pay entitlements.

Prepare: Whistleblowing in Japan

Japan has taken a significant step toward strengthening protections for whistleblowers with the passage of the 2025 Amendment to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Enacted in June 2025, the revised law is expected to come into force before 2027. The amendment aims to address long-standing concerns about the effectiveness of whistleblower protections. It introduces new enforcement mechanisms, including criminal penalties for retaliatory action; expands the scope of protected individuals; and seeks to remove barriers that discourage whistleblowing.

Focus: Developments in the US

In the US, federal contractors have been asked to volunteer information on their efforts to wind down affirmative action plans in response to President Trump’s DEI Executive Orders. The Department of Justice issued a memorandum outlining policies and practices it views as discriminatory, including scholarship funds and mentoring and leadership programs that use 'race, sex or any other protected characteristic as a selection criteria' and diverse slate and diversity decision-making panels. The White House also unveiled an AI Action Plan, signalling a policy shift within the US.

States continue to enact new laws on a range of topics. For example, Florida enacted an employer-friendly non-compete law; a new Texas law bars the enforceability of non-disclosure provisions involving sexual abuse; and California issued a notice and FAQ about the right to leave and other accommodations for workers who are, or have a family member who is, a victim of violence. The California Civil Rights Council also received final approval for comprehensive regulations governing the use of AI and automated-decision systems in employment.

Focus: Colombian labour reforms

Colombia has enacted significant labour law reforms, primarily aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and modernising labour relations. The reforms introduce changes to several aspects of employment, including contract types, working hours, overtime, and protection against workplace discrimination. The new law came into effect on 25 June 2025, with further implementation of provisions scheduled for 25 December 2025 and 25 June 2026. The government has also issued instructions for the implementation of the reforms to apprenticeship contracts and a new regulation on occupational medical examinations.

Listen: AI and Employment Podcast

With AI legislative changes coming into force and the continued rise of ChatGPT and other large language models, no one can underestimate the impact of AI on the workforce. Our AI and Employment Podcasts discuss the key employment law issues facing employers arising out of AI. Among topics considered so far are how to plan for AI’s impact on people,  pitfalls of using AI in recruitment and promotion, and information and consultation requirements.

Access all episodes here.