ESG update: Australia

In Australia, heightened enforcement activity, proposed regulatory regimes focused on ESG matters and other market developments are influencing the ESG risks and priorities for organisations operating here. The ESG landscape is continuously evolving and it can be difficult to keep up with the many developments occurring at home and overseas. Below, we consider some of the key ESG-related issues that look set to shape the…

Recent developments in ESG and pensions

The main provisions of the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation have been in force since 2021, but compliance remains a challenge for many market participants. Here is an update on the state of play. Over the past six months, the European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) has continued to shape the landscape of sustainable finance in Europe, with noteworthy developments specifically impacting the realm of…

Equal Pay Day 2023: where are we on the gender pay gap?

International Equal Pay Day falls on 18 September. It’s a moment to reflect on what has been achieved and what still needs to be done to address pay equity globally. Here Ius Laboris lawyers from across the alliance provide a round-up of new measures and proposals to address the gender pay gap in their countries. Introduction: what is the gender pay gap? The ‘Gender Pay…

Compensation ordered after email slip reveals age discrimination

The Brussels Labour Court recently considered the case of an unsuccessful job applicant who was inadvertently emailed evidence that she had been discriminated against due to her age. Background When internal emails reveal that a job applicant has been rejected due to their age or another protected characteristic, and the applicant comes into possession of these emails, the disappointed applicant can seek compensation for discrimination….

Fighting sex discrimination: actions for employers

Australian employers should act now to ensure compliance with their positive duty to fight sex discrimination at work. Background On 10 August 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (‘AHRC’) released its new Guidelines for Complying with the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act. While not legally binding, the Guidelines are an authoritative resource intended to support employers and others conducting a business or undertaking to…

Pay Transparency Directive FAQs

The Pay Transparency Directive will create new gender pay gap reporting obligations throughout the EU. In this article, we answer some frequently asked questions about this new legislation. What is the Pay Transparency Directive? The Pay Transparency Directive will require employers throughout the EU to either implement gender pay gap reporting for the first time or, in countries where it already exists, broaden the scope…

The right to disconnect around the world

Ius Laboris‘ interactive map shows the countries that have passed specific laws to guarantee employees the right to disconnect from work outside of work hours. For those with ‘teleworkable’ jobs, remote work increased significantly during the pandemic. While the number of employees working remotely decreased again as restrictions were lifted, the numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. As part of its analysis of findings…

New law targets ‘intersectional’ and ‘multiple’ discrimination

Belgium has significantly expanded the scope of its anti-discrimination law. The new law also increases the sanctions that can be imposed in cases where discrimination is found. On 20 July 2023, an amendment to the law was published in the Belgian State Gazette that significantly expands anti-discrimination legislation, both in terms of its material scope and in terms of the sanctions that can be imposed…

It’s finally here: adequacy decision on EU-US data transfers

Data transfers from the EU to the US will now be easier for many companies, following a long-awaited decision from the European Commission. More than a year after the first announcement of the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) on 10 July 2023, which entered into force with immediate effect. Transfers to US companies signed up…

Terminations under Israeli Law

Termination of employment in Israel can be for any good reason. But employers need to take care to follow the right procedure, and to be aware of local protections and culture. Introduction Termination of employment, unfortunately, is always relevant. While this article obviously cannot cover all aspects of this complex issue, it will hopefully provide you with some important insights and tips on how termination…