On your radar | Issue 34
Key employment issues to be aware of internationally
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As labour models evolve, legal systems worldwide are adapting employment protections to reflect the growth of platform work. The distinction between employees and the self-employed is a central theme of this edition of On your radar. EU countries are implementing the Platform Work Directive while, beyond Europe, Hong Kong is developing legislation to provide statutory compensation for work injuries suffered by delivery workers engaged through digital platforms.
Agreed termination arrangements take different forms across jurisdictions. In Sweden, voluntary termination agreements used to reduce headcount were treated as dismissals, within the meaning of the EU Collective Redundancies Directive.
In Norway, the Supreme Court has narrowed the scope for the conditions exempting a “particularly independent position” from overtime rules, ruling that a project manager with extensive responsibilities was still entitled to overtime pay.
France is considering a bill under which employers would be required to introduce preventative measures and to investigate reports of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexist behaviour promptly, and would face penalties of up to 1% of gross payroll for a breach. In Monaco, a legal reform introducing termination by mutual agreement has finally come into force.
Working time is another prominent theme. Mexico is reducing its maximum working week and is considering a bill extending the right to disconnect to all workers. In Norway, the Supreme Court has narrowed the scope for exempting “particularly independent” staff from overtime rules, ruling that a project manager with extensive responsibilities was still entitled to overtime pay.
Finally, workplace harassment is the focus of legislative activity in several countries. France is considering a bill under which employers would be required to introduce preventative measures and to investigate reports of sexual harassment promptly, and would face penalties of up to 1% of gross payroll for a breach. Poland's simplified anti-mobbing rules will take effect on 5 November 2026, and Angola has adopted a National Policy for Gender Equality and Equity within the public sector, which serves as a guiding framework for private employers.
Please reach out to your usual CMS contact or send an email to [email protected] for advice and solutions specific to the situation of your organisation.
