Argentina: Key Issues

1. 2026, looking ahead: bill for a new labour reform.

Argentina: 2026, Looking Ahead: Bill for a New Labour Reform

In December 2025, the Executive Branch submitted to the National Congress a bill proposing several labour law reforms. The President is confident that the bill will be enacted between late 2025 and early 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Argentina, please contact Nicolás Grandi (Partner) of Allende & Brea at ngrandi@allende.com or visit www.allende.com.

Australia: Key Issues

1. Review of National Employment Standards (NES), potential new award and working from home entitlements.
2. Non-disclosure agreements restricted in sexual harassment settlements.
3. Amendments to the Privacy Act 1988.
4. Changes to superannuation payment timing.
5. Ban on non-compete clauses and potential restrictions on non-solicitation clauses.
6. Changes to Workplace Health and Safety requirements. 

Australia: 2026, Looking Ahead: Changes Coming to Employment Law 

The regulatory landscape for employers continued to change significantly in 2025, driven by emboldened Unions and a raft of election promises from the Albanese government. As legislators and regulators struggle to keep up with an increasingly casualised and insecure workforce, and governments continue to focus on mental health in the workplace, sexual harassment reform, and the looming threat and opportunity of AI, we look forward to some of the changes we know are coming, as well as some anticipated changes, and share our key insights for HR professionals and in-house Counsel to ensure employers are ready for, and indeed ahead of, the changes. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Australia, please contact Michael Harmer (Partner) of Harmers Workplace Lawyers at michael.harmer@Harmers.com.au or visit www.harmers.com.au.

Belgium: Key Issues

1. Capping wage indexation for higher salaries.
2. Reform of the reintegration framework for long-term sick workers.
3. Mandatory registration of working time.
4. Expansion of flexi-jobs.
5. Reform of voluntary overtime.
6. More flexible night work rules in the distribution sector.
7. Abolition of the one-third rule for minimum working time.

Belgium: 2026, Looking Ahead: Key Employment-Law Measures in Belgium’s 2025 Autumn Agreement

Belgium’s Autumn Agreement introduces several significant reforms to labour law. The package aims to modernise working conditions, improve the sustainability of employers’ labour costs, and support a more efficient framework for reintegration and working time. This article summarises the main employment-law elements: the cap on wage indexation, the reform of the reintegration procedure, mandatory time registration, the expansion of flexi-jobs, the reform of voluntary overtime, the easing of night work rules, and the abolition of the minimum one-third work-time requirement. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Belgium, please contact Chris Van Olmen (Partner) of Van Olmen & Wynant at chris.van.olmen@vow.be or visit www.vow.be.

Canada: Key Issues

1. Major changes to job posting requirements and pay transparency in Ontario.
2. Ontario removes interprovincial employment barriers.
3. Ongoing changes to permissible termination clause language.
4. Permitting new leaves and longer layoffs in Ontario.
5. Continuing the rollout of British Columbia’s pay transparency legislation.
6. Expansion of health and safety obligations in Quebec.

Canada: 2026, Looking Ahead

Significant changes to the world of work have been on the horizon and 2026 is the year that many impending legal developments will finally come into effect in Canada. With new legislative obligations and contradictory lines of emergent case law, employers in Canada must remain proactive in order to keep up with the rapidly evolving labour and employment law landscape. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Canada, please contact Robert Bayne (Partner) of Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti at rbayne@filion.on.ca or visit www.filion.on.ca.

Chile: Key Issues

1. Reduction of the working day – implementation of the 40-hour law.
2. Entry into force of the Personal Data Protection Law.
3. Pension reform: increase in employer contributions.
4. Strategic analysis of labour regulatory trends and potential institutional changes. 
5. Publication of amendments to the inclusion law regulations.

Chile: 2026, Looking Ahead: Our Vision for Employers

Along with the change of government and the renewal of the National Congress, a new Minister of Labour and Social Security, a new National Labour Director, and a new Director of the National Migration Service will be appointed for the 2026–2030 term. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Chile, please contact Bárbara Zlatar (Partner) of Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos at bzlatar@cariola.cl or visit www.cariola.cl.

China: Key Issues

1. Legislative developments.
2. Local regulations.
3. Legislative drafts.

China: 2026, Looking Ahead

As we step into the year 2026, several legislative developments have either come into effect or are set to take effect in China. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in China, please contact Carol Zhu (Partner) of Zhong Lun Law Firm at carol.zhu@zhonglun.com or visit www.zhonglun.com.

Colombia: Key Issues

1. Likely double-digit increase in the minimum wage for 2026.
2. Entry into force of the new labour and social security procedural code.
3. Continued implementation of the 2025 Labour Reform (Law 2466 of 2025).

Colombia: 2026, Looking Ahead

Several regulatory and policy developments are expected to significantly shape the Colombian employment landscape in 2026. Employers should anticipate increased labour costs, material procedural changes in labour litigation, and the continued implementation of the 2025 Labour Reform, all of which will require proactive planning and timely adjustments to employment structures and compliance strategies. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Colombia, please contact Angelica Carrion (Partner) of López & Asociados at angelica.carrion@lopezasociados.net or visit www.lopezasociados.net

Czech Republic: Key Issues

1. Flexible amendment to the Czech Labour Code.
2. Uniform monthly employer report.
3. Disguised employment.
4. Transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive.

Czech Republic: 2026, Looking Ahead

The year 2025 was abundant with crucial new developments in Czech labour law. Major landmarks include the Flexible Amendment to the Czech Labour Code, which came into effect as of June this year, and the adoption of the Act on Uniform Monthly Employer Report which represents a further step in making the administrative system for employers´ reporting obligations more efficient. Moreover, a lot of attention has been paid to the problem of disguised employment and the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Czech Republic, please contact Jan Koval (Partner) of Havel & Partners at jan.koval@havelpartners.cz or visit www.havelpartners.cz.

France: Key Issues

1. Labour measures to be implemented in 2026.
2. Possible labour measures currently being examined by the Parliament.
3. EU directives implementation calendar.

France: 2026, Looking Ahead

The continuing unstable political situation in France and upcoming local elections makes it difficult to anticipate future legislative changes in 2026. Following the fall of the government formed under former Prime Minister François Bayrou in September 2025 and the nomination of the new government under Sébastien Lecornu, the new government still does not hold a majority in Parliament. Whether it will be able to survive will depend on its capacity to pass a new budget through Parliament in the next few weeks. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in France, please contact Stéphanie Dumas (Partner) of Flichy Grangé Avocats at dumas@flichy.com or visit www.flichygrange.com.

Germany: Key Issues

1. Amendment to the German Transparency in Wage Structures Act (Entgelttransparenzgesetz – EntgTranspG).
2. Increase in minimum wage and contribution assessment ceiling.
3. Changes to the German Working Hours Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz – ArbZG).
4. Works council elections 2026.
5. Applicability of most provisions of the European Artificial Intelligence Act.

Germany: 2026, Looking Ahead

In Looking Ahead 2026, the most important trends and developments related to labour and employment law in Germany are explored. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Germany, please contact Dr. Tobias Pusch (Partner) of Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law at pusch@pwwl.de or visit www.pwwl.de.

India: Key Issues

1. Gradual operationalisation of the Labour Codes.
2. The right to disconnect.
3. Gig and platform workers.
4. Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

India: 2026, Looking Ahead

As we arrive in 2026, India’s labour and employment landscape stands at one of its most critical junctures. The introduction of the four Labour Codes represents the most ambitious and significant overhaul of India’s employment law regime since independence. While the Labour Codes were brought into effect on 21 November 2025, the real test lies in 2026 as employers now prepare for its implementation. In addition to the Labour Codes, some other areas of development are also anticipated in India’s labour and employment regime. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in India, please contact Avik Biswas (Partner) of Khaitan & Co at avik.biswas@khaitanco.com or visit www.khaitanco.com.  

Indonesia: Key Issues

1. New plans for the issuance of a regulation on mandated social security for drivers or couriers of online taxi services.
2. Implementation of the electronic card system for migrant workers.

Indonesia: 2026, Looking Ahead

The following are labour-related matters in Indonesia to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Indonesia, please contact Marshall Situmorang (Partner) of Nusantara Legal Partnership at marshall.situmorang@nusantaralegal.com or visit https://nusantaralegal.com/.  

Ireland: Key Issues

1. Pensions auto-enrolment.
2. Pay Transparency Directive.
3. Artificial Intelligence and its role in employment law.
4. Retirement ages.
5. New guidance issued in Ireland in relation to misclassification of employees in settlement arrangements which arises from the Supreme Court case of Revenue v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd. Trading as Domino’s Pizza.

Ireland: 2026, Looking Ahead

The following are labour-related matters in Ireland to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Ireland, please contact Aoife Bradley (Partner) of Byrne Wallace Shields at abradley@byrnewallaceshields.com or visit www.byrnewallaceshields.com/.

Italy: Key Issues

1. New interventions of the Italian Constitutional Court on the so-called “Jobs Act” in 2025.
2. Law no. 106/2025: strengthening protections for employees affected by oncological, chronic or disabling diseases.
3. The Italian Constitutional Court has once again ruled on trade union activity within companies.
4. Health and safety urgent measures pursuant to the new Law Decree no. 159 of 31 October 2025.
5. The European AI Act and its implementation in Italy.

Italy: 2026, The Year Ahead for Employers

The year 2025 is marked by important developments in the field of labour law with significant repercussions also expected in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Italy, please contact Angelo Zambelli (Partner) of Zambelli & Partners at angelo.zambelli@zambellipartners.com or visit www.zambellipartners.com/en/. 

Mexico: Key Issues

1. Labour enforcement and digital complaint mechanisms.
2. Non-discrimination, gender equality, and workplace investigations.
3. New inspection protocol on subcontracting and specialized services.
4. Workplace health, ergonomics, and the “Chair Law” (Ley Silla).
5. Judicial transition and consolidation of the labour court system.
6. Reduction of the workweek: constitutional reform.
7. Legislative agenda to watch in 2026.
8. Looking for employment law support in Mexico?

Mexico: 2026, Looking Ahead

As Mexico moves into 2026, its labour and employment framework continues to evolve toward a model characterized by intensified enforcement, digital oversight, and an expanded concept of employer responsibility. Recent regulatory and legislative developments reflect a clear policy direction: compliance is no longer assessed solely through formal documentation, but through the effective implementation of preventive measures, operational consistency, and demonstrable risk management. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Mexico, please contact Oscar De La Vega Gomez (Partner) of De La Vega & Martinez Rojas at odelavega@dlvmr.com.mx or visit www.dlvmr.com. 

The Netherlands: Key Issues

1. General changes to the labour market.
2. Self-employment assessment.
3. Flexible employment.

The Netherlands: 2026, Looking Ahead

In 2026, a series of legislative proposals will either be awaiting approval from Dutch Parliament or set to be implemented. The following topics can be distinguished and will be discussed: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Netherlands, please contact Christiaan Oberman (Partner) of Palthe Oberman at oberman@paltheoberman.nl or visit www.paltheoberman.nl.

Norway: Key Issues

1. Changes to the Working Environment Act as of 1 January 2026.
2. Overtime supplement for part-time employees from the first hour?
3. EU Pay Transparency Directive.

Norway: 2026, Looking Ahead

In 2026, Norway will see a few changes to the Working Environment Act. In addition, clarifications are expected regarding overtime pay for part-time employees, following recent rulings by the European Court of Justice. Attention will also turn to when and how the EU Pay Transparency Directive will be implemented into Norwegian law, a development that could have significant implications for businesses and employees. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Norway, please contact Håkon Andreassen (Partner) of Helmr at hakon.andreassen@helmr.no or visit www.helmr.no.

Peru: Key Issues

1. Slow progress in the growth of formal employment.
2. Anti-technical bills.
3. Reform of the new Labour Procedural Law.
4. Increase in activity of the National Superintendence of Labor Inspection (SUNAFIL).
5. Uncertainty and labour rigidity.
6. Salary increase in the public sector.

Peru: 2026, Looking Ahead

The following are labour-related matters in Peru to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Peru, please contact Håkon Andreassen (Partner) of Estudio Muñiz: SBDL at cpuntriano@munizlaw.com or visit www.munizlaw.com.

Philippines: Key Issues

1. Legal liability across hiring and separation: implications of recent Supreme Court rulings and proposed tax measures.

Philippines: 2026, Looking Ahead

This case law is set to redefine Philippine labour litigation in 2026 and beyond, particularly by clarifying the precise moment an employment relationship between employer and employee begins. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Philippines, please contact Rashel Ann C. Pomoy (Partner) of Villaraza & Angangco at rc.pomoy@thefirmva.com or visit https://www.thefirmva.com.

Poland: Key Issues

1. Partial implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive (EU) 2023/970.
2. Changes to calculating length of service.
3. Administrative reclassification of civil-law contracts as employment relationships.
4. Deregulatory changes in labour law.
5. Increase in minimum wage.
6. Collective labour agreements.
7. Changes regarding prevention of discrimination and mobbing.
8. Changes to sick leave rules.
9. A pilot program for reduced working hours will be launched in 2026.

Poland: 2026, Looking Ahead

The year 2026 will bring numerous labour law reforms in Poland. Changes will affect both employer obligations and employee rights — from pay transparency, new rules for calculating length of service, and administrative reclassification of civil-law contracts, to an increase in minimum wage, reform of collective agreements, and clarification of provisions on mobbing and discrimination. Employers can also expect simplifications in HR documentation and new regulations concerning sick leave. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Poland, please contact Prof. Arkadiusz Sobczyk (Partner) of Sobczyk & Partners Law Firm at arkadiusz.sobczyk@sobczyk.com.pl or visit www.sobczyk.com.pl.

Portugal: Key Issues

1. Labour law reform.
2. Minimum wage increase.
3. Equality and wellbeing at work.
4. Other developments and trends.

Portugal: 2026, Looking Ahead

As we enter 2026, several legislative changes and initiatives are expected to influence employment and labor law in Portugal. Here is an overview of the of relevant upcoming developments: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Portugal, please contact César Sá Esteves (Partner) of SRS Legal at cesar.esteves@srslegal.pt or visit www.srslegal.pt.

Singapore: Key Issues

1. Introduction of Workplace Fairness (Dispute Resolution) Bill in Singapore.

Singapore: 2026, Looking Ahead

The following is a labour-related matter in Singapore to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Singapore, please contact Thomas Choo (Partner) of Clyde & Co Clasis at Thomas.Choo@clydeco.com or visit www.clydeco.com.

Spain: Key Issues

1. Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI).
2. Reduction of working hours and digital disconnection.
3. Severance pay reform.
4. Sustainable mobility to work plans.
5. Digital working time records.
6. Reform of the occupational risk prevention framework.
7. Status of trainees.
8. EU Directives: expected transposition in 2026.

Spain: 2026, Looking Ahead

As Spain enters 2026, its labour and employment landscape is defined by a dual dynamic: ongoing legislative modernisation and accelerated compliance. Several reform initiatives launched in 2024–2025 are expected to progress, while EU transposition deadlines will drive structural changes in documentation, pay transparency and platform work regardless of domestic political tempo. Overall, 2026 is shaping up as both a monitoring year (for reforms still under negotiation) and a compliance year (for measures with defined implementation periods or inspection focus), with multinational employers facing increasing expectations in terms of reporting, governance, traceability, and alignment with EU standards. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Spain, please contact Iván Suárez (Partner) of Suárez de Vivero at isuarez@suarezdevivero.com or visit www.suarezdevivero.com.

Sweden: Key Issues

1. Implementation of Pay Transparency Directive.
2. Expanded criminal liability for infringements of technical trade secrets.
3. Increased salary requirements for work permits.
4. A new Unemployment Insurance Act introduces significant changes to the Swedish unemployment insurance system.

Sweden: 2026, Looking Ahead

The following are labour-related matters in Sweden to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Sweden, please contact Robert Stromberg (Partner) of Cederquist at robert.stromberg@cederquist.se or visit www.cederquist.se.

Türkiye: Key Issues

1. Increase in employers’ social security contributions and premiums.

Türkiye: 2026, Looking Aheads

The following is a labour-related matter in Türkiye to watch out for in 2026. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Türkiye, please contact Benan Arseven (Partner) of Moroğlu Arseven at barseven@morogluarseven.com or visit www.morogluarseven.com.

United Kingdom: Key Issues

1. The Employment Rights Act: a year of change.
2. What should employers do to prepare for the Employment Rights Act changes?
3. A look back at key UK workplace law changes in 2025.

United Kingdom: 2026, Looking Ahead: Workplace Law Changes 

2026 will bring significant reforms thanks to the Employment Rights Act (ERA) introduced at the end of December 2025.  Employers will be relieved to know that implementation will be staged throughout 2026 with many of the key changes scheduled for 2027. » Read More

United Kingdom: A Look Back at Key UK Workplace Law Changes in 2025

It has been another busy year for HR professionals, in-house lawyers and employers. In this article, we look back at the key employment law changes and cases that have shaped the year. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the United Kingdom, please contact Robert Hill (Partner) of Clyde & Co at Robert.Hill@clydeco.com or visit www.clydeco.com.

USA: Key Issues

1. Agencies are off and running.
2. Enhancing data-driven decision-making.
3. Workplace considerations in a globally mobile, AI world.
4. Powering through the patch work.
5. Scanning the federal litigation + legislative landscape. 

USA: The Year Ahead 2026 

As the administration enters its second year, employers face a fast‑shifting mix of federal priorities and the state‑level and market responses they prompt. The Year Ahead 2026 connects the dots across agencies, multijurisdictional legislation, litigation, technology and workforce trends — equipping organizations to anticipate risks, seize opportunities and act with greater confidence. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the United States, please contact John Sander (Principal) of Jackson Lewis at john.sander@jacksonlewis.com or visit www.jacksonlewis.com.

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