Videos

Labour and Employment UK Webinar Recording: Managing New Recruits

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +00:00

Watch the first webinar in our 2026 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme, the key legal and practical issues to consider when managing new recruits.

We discuss key issues to consider when recruiting and managing new hires (including performance management), as well as best practice tips and practical insight on how you can improve your contracts of employment to ensure they put your business in the strongest position in any dismissal situation.

Pensions Perspectives: Guided Retirement

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:25:56 +00:00

Recent research published by the Department for Work and Pensions shows that many defined contribution (DC) savers are struggling to prepare for retirement. Once the relevant parts of the Pension Schemes Bill come into force, trustees will be required to design and implement one or more default retirement options for members (referred to as “guided retirement”).

Patrick Coyne, while interim director of policy and public affairs at The Pensions Regulator, said that “trustees must rethink their role, not just as stewards of assets, but as enablers of good retirement outcomes. Generic solutions will not cut it. Trustees must consider how different defaults will suit different types of savers. And bring forward plans for simple but tailored support, smarter decumulation strategies, and clearer guidance.”

Pensions partner Wendy Hunter was delighted to be a guest speaker to discuss guided retirement as part of WTW’s Pensions Perspectives series of podcasts. You can watch the podcast below, or on WTW’s YouTube channel.

Implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive and Key Employment Law Changes for 2026 in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:13:13 +00:00

The EU Pay Transparency Directive is nearing its implementation deadline, and employers across the EU are either already prepared or in the process of getting ready. Although some Member States, including the Czech Republic, have not yet finalised the legislative process, larger companies will need to start collecting data from early 2026. Now is the perfect time to understand what the Directive requires and how to prepare for full compliance.

Because this topic is resonating widely in Europe, we recently ran a webinar to help you gain a clear overview of the implementation progress and the obligations companies need to get ready for in the CEE region, presented by our Labour & Employment Practice Group experts.

Topics included:

Implementation status of the EU Pay Transparency Directive in the Czech Republic and other employment law changes coming into force in the Czech Republic in 2026
Brief overview of the implementation status in Slovakia
Implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive in Poland and other employment law changes coming into force in Poland in 2026
Q&A session

The New Employment Rights Act Is Almost Here – What UK Employers Need to Know

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:24:57 +00:00

The Employment Rights Bill is in the final stages of the legislative process and will shortly become a new act of Parliament.

Since the bill started its journey in the House of Commons last October, it has undergone several key changes, not least doubling in length!

In this webinar we explore what the final legislation will look like, and look to ensure you are in a position to support your businesses for the significant changes ahead.

We cover:

The key employment law reforms, including what has changed from earlier versions of the bill, and the potential implications for employers
The government’s proposed implementation timetable, including key consultations
Potential challenges for employers and practical steps to prepare for them

Security in the Age of AI: Risks, Rewards and Responsibilities

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:17:24 +00:00

Watch our thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, privacy and individual rights.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of public safety, security, and data utility, this webinar brings experts together to examine both the benefits and challenges of AI-powered surveillance.

Panellists shared insights on how AI is being used to enhance security capabilities, reflected on lessons learned from real-world implementations, and critically assessed the implications for privacy and individual rights, against new and emerging regulatory frameworks.

Whether you're a security professional, policy maker, or legal professional, this conversation will offer valuable perspectives on balancing innovation with accountability.

Our panel featured

Tanvi Mehta Krensel – Partner, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity, Squire Patton Boggs
Sophie Farthing – Head of Responsible Technology Program, UTS Human Technology Institute
Deborah Banwell – Interim General Counsel, Sydney Markets
Gaurav Vikash – Head of Security and Risk – APAC, Axon

Labour and Employment UK Webinar Programme: Settlement Agreements

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:34:36 +00:00

Watch the fourth webinar in our 2025 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme, the key legal and practical issues to consider when entering into settlement agreements in the workplace.

We cover:

A reminder of the basics, including when it is appropriate to use a settlement agreement and the key requirements for a binding agreement
Settlement agreement vs COT3 agreement vs simple letter – pros and cons
Key issues to be covered in a settlement agreement, including tax issues on termination and prohibited terms
Practical tips on how to raise entering into a settlement agreement with employees
Typical employee adviser pushbacks - and how to respond!

“Tales From the Ethics Crypt” CLE Program

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

We invite you to stream our annual continuing legal education (CLE) program, Tales from the Ethics Crypt, now available on demand.

Created by Steve Delchin, this chilling anthology explores the shadowy corners of professional ethics through a series of eerie tales. Topics include the duties of subordinate lawyers, surreptitious recordings, sanctions for unprofessional conduct, joint representations, and more—all presented with a haunting twist.

Earn CLE credit in professional conduct/ethics and professionalism and enjoy a one-of-a-kind ethics experience that’s thrilling, chilling, and CLE-filling.

Watch the Video

Click the play arrow on the image below to view the video or click here.

CLE
This on-demand/self-study program offers 2.50 hours of CLE for attorney professional conduct/ethics and professionalism in Alabama (pending), Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky (valid until July 2026), North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Ohio (pending), Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia (pending), Washington, and West Virginia. If you require another jurisdiction, please contact Robin Hallagan, the legal training manager.

Instructions

Below are the instructions for receiving CLE credit hours for the Tales from the Ethics Crypt program:

Watch the program. You are not required to watch the entire program, but a minimum of 1.00 hour is mandatory to receive CLE credit.
Write down the two (2) CLE affirmation codes that will randomly appear in the bottom of the screen during the program. The codes only appear for 10 seconds on the screen, so please be alert when watching. (You will be alerted by an audible sound effect.) You need the CLE codes to request CLE credit.
Once you have finished viewing the program, please complete the Uniform Certificate of Attendance and Program Evaluation Form. This form opens as a PDF and includes a “Submit” icon that will allow you to email the document directly to Robin Hallagan. Please include the date you completed the program. If you cannot submit the PDF, please save the document to your desktop with your name and the date you viewed the program, and then send it as an attachment to Robin Hallagan.
After your form is verified, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Depending on your state, your regulator will be notified of your attendance, or you will need to maintain the Certificate of Attendance for your records.
In a 60-minute state, the program is approved for 2.50 hours of attorney professional conduct (ethics and professionalism). In a 50-minute state, the program is approved for 3.00 hours of ethics and professionalism.
View the audience handouts.

ACC Europe and Squire Patton Boggs: Geopolitics and AI – Where Are We Heading?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

AI is becoming a pivotal factor in shaping global power dynamics, with governments keen to leverage its use for economic growth, technological leadership and national security advantage. With the race for AI dominance intensifying, particularly between the US and China, and the exponential speed of technological change impacting markets, shaping politics and affecting global security, the implications are profound for businesses carving a strategic path through this highly complex landscape.

In collaboration with ACC Europe, we hosted this webinar exclusively for its members, general counsel, chief legal officers and senior inhouse counsel. We rounded up the key developments and issues impacting the corporate agenda and the practical actions general counsel can be taking now amidst continued volatility.

We were joined by:

Matthew Kirk, a former UK ambassador and a former executive committee director at Vodafone, and now an international affairs adviser at Squire Patton Boggs
David Naylor, EMEA head of Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets, Squire Patton Boggs
Tanvi Mehta-Krensel, partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Dr. Małgorzata Anna Hartwig, associate general counsel for CarbSol, EMEA at Archer Daniels Midland Co.

Labour and Employment UK Webinar Programme: Reasonable Adjustments – What Are They, What Is Required?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch the third webinar in our 2025 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme, where we explore when the duty to make reasonable adjustments is triggered and how far employers must go.

The Equality Act 2010 places an obligation on employers to make “reasonable adjustments” to the workplace and working practices, as well as arrangements, for disabled employees.

We cover:

When is the duty to make reasonable adjustments triggered?
What is “reasonable” – what factors should be taken into account?
Potential pitfalls and how to avoid them

This webinar is aimed at junior HR professionals and those who require an introduction to key areas of employment law (including managers with responsibility for staffing issues), as well as individuals who are looking to refresh their knowledge in a particular area. It is led by directors and associates in our Labour & Employment Practice Group.

UK Business Immigration – The Government’s White Paper: “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System” and Other Policy Changes

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

On 12 May 2025 the government published a white paper setting out wide ranging proposals which it says are intended to “restore order, control and fairness to the system, bring down net migration and promote economic growth”. These proposals and accompanying policy changes will have a significant impact on UK employers. Key themes include:

Linking immigration with domestic skills and training requirements to reduce over reliance on overseas labour
A renewed focus on enforcement including a targeted ‘crackdown’ on illegal working

On 1 July, the Home Secretary announced imminent changes to the Immigration Rules coming into force from 22 July 2025, including:

Increase in the Skilled Worker skills threshold including minimum salary thresholds
Introduction of the new Temporary Shortage List
Closure to the social care worker visa route

In addition to the white paper, other immigration changes including the expansion of right to work checks and issues we have seen with the full digitisation of the UK immigration system were also reviewed during the session.

In this webinar, Annabel Mace, May Cheung and Carine Elliott discussed:

The impact of the new changes due to come in on 22 July 2025 and how these affect sponsors and their employees
The strategic approaches for employers in relation to key white paper proposals which are yet to come in, including:

Higher English language thresholds and the new requirement for dependants
Increase in qualifying period for eligibility to apply for settlement from 5 to 10 years
Skills Charge increases

The expansion of the illegal working regime to cover non-employed workers, sub-contractors and gig-economy workers
Issues with the transition to a fully digital immigration system including evisas and new biometric technologies

View the presentation materials from this webinar.

France's New Class Actions Regime – Implications for Employers

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Earlier this year, France introduced significant changes to its class actions regime, including extending the scope for trade unions and associations approved by the French administration to bring class actions against employers.

The new provisions came into force on 2 May 2025, and affect class actions in a variety of areas, including consumer, environmental and employment law. Crucially, from an employment law perspective, they expand the type of claims that can be brought. As highlighted above, trade unions and certain associations that meet specific criteria to be approved by the French administration have the right to bring class actions on behalf of employees. They will be able to bring claims in a wider variety of circumstances, including where they allege that an employer has breached its contractual obligations towards its employees. Previously, class actions against employers were limited to discrimination and data protection law. The new regime also introduces new penalties, a specific amicable procedure to put an end to class actions, as well as greater scope for cross-border class actions.

Watch our latest webinar where Pauline Pierce and Jean-Sébastien Lipski provide an overview of the new regime, identify the key risks for employers going forward and the practical steps employers can take to mitigate such risks.

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme: Managing Redundancies (Small Scale)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar, where we explore the key legal and practical issues to be aware of when managing small-scale redundancies, i.e. when collective redundancy consultation obligations are not triggered.

We cover:

The role of an investigator – Responsibilities at law.
What constitutes a fair procedure, including pooling, selection and consultation
The duty to "bump" or offer alternative employment – how far must you go?
The practical steps employers can take to ensure their redundancy programmes stand up to scrutiny before an employment tribunal
Lessons from recent cases, as well as practical advice and tips from recent redundancy exercises we have advised on

This webinar is aimed at junior HR professionals and those who require an introduction to key areas of employment law (including managers with responsibility for staffing issues), as well as individuals who are looking to refresh their knowledge in a particular area. It is led by directors/associates in our Labour & Employment Practice Group.

This is the second webinar in our 2025 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme. If you would like to pre-register for any of the other sessions, please visit our registration page.

The Czech Labour Code Flexi-Amendment: What You Need to Know

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar recording, "The Czech Labour Code Flexi-Amendment: What You Need to Know", where we explore the key legislative changes introduced by the recently approved flexi-update to the Labour Code. This amendment aims to increase flexibility in employment relationships and bring significant changes for both employers and employees.

Topics That Were Covered:

Employment termination – Changes in notice periods and their calculation, as well as the consolidation of certain dismissal grounds.
Probationary periods – Extended maximum durations for both regular and managerial employees, along with prolongation options.
Self-scheduling of working hours – Key rules and requirements for employees determining their own working hours.
Parental protection – Enhanced protections for parents returning to work and greater flexibility for working parents during their parental leave.
Medical check-ups – The removal of mandatory entry medical exams for low-risk jobs.
Wages – More flexible requirements for paying salaries in different currencies and delivering salary statements.
Work accidents and occupational diseases – Employee entitlements and digitalisation.

These changes, expected to take effect in early June 2025, will require updates to employment contracts, internal policies and other employment-related documentation. To support understanding of the upcoming changes, this recorded webinar includes an interactive Q&A session with expert insights.

UK Business Immigration – How To Protect Your Business From Being Caught Out in the “Crackdown”

Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

The Home Office is clearly on a mission to get tough on illegal working – press releases and headlines announcing new measures clamping down on “rogue” employers are a regular occurrence. At the same time, the government faces mounting pressure to reduce legal migration. Changes to salary thresholds in 2024 have already led to a significant drop in Skilled Worker visa applications and the Home Office has further committed to “tackling the root causes behind the UK’s long-term reliance on international workers and action to link migration policy with skills and wider labour market policy”.

We are already seeing a stricter approach by the Home Office in relation to visa applications, sponsor licence compliance and enforcement action. While this enforcement focus is aimed at those who intentionally or recklessly breach their immigration duties, any UK business with overseas workers is likely to be affected – refusals, compliance action and fines are often issued to well-intentioned and generally diligent employers that have unwittingly fallen foul of increasingly complex immigration rules.

In this webinar, Annabel Mace, May Cheung and Carine Elliott offer guidance and practical insights in relation to:

How the anticipated Immigration White Paper will affect your business
Practical challenges for visa applications in light of increased scrutiny
How to mitigate the increased risk of Home Office audits
New restrictions on recouping immigration costs from sponsored workers
Right-to-work pitfalls and new checks for workers and contractors

The European Commissions Proposals to Simplify CBAM and Reduce Administrative Burden on Importers

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

We address the latest policy developments on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and their implications for EU importers and third-country operators. We provide a detailed analysis of the proposed amendments, focusing on compliance obligations, enforcement mechanisms, and the broader technical and economic ramifications for stakeholders engaged in cross-border trade.

Key Topics Addressed

An analysis of the recently proposed CBAM regulatory amendments, with a particular focus on the evolving compliance framework for EU importers
The practical implications for third-country exporters
A case study on CBAM certificate cost estimation, covering:

Data sources and calculation methodology under the revised framework
Projected CBAM certificate demand and associated cost implications for 2026-2027

The EU Omnibus Proposals on Sustainability and Simplification – What It Means for Your Reporting and Compliance Strategy

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

The European Commission’s Omnibus Proposals released late February 2025 initiated a new legislative process, which may ultimately reshape the EU regulatory landscape on Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence. This will have implications for businesses operating in the EU, as the timing, scope and requirements of key compliance obligations could be impacted, including those emanating from Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), EU Taxonomy or Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Pending the completion of an uncertain legislative process both in the EU and individual member states, companies need to adapt their reporting and compliance strategies, which have been disrupted by the Commission’s proposals.

We covered the following topics during this webinar:

EU Omnibus Proposals – What are the latest developments and trends on the postponement and amendment of the EU Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) legislative landscape?
Member States – Who’s pushing for stricter rules, and who’s advocating for flexibility? How do member states address uncertainty?
Legal risks and compliance – How to adapt existing strategies to this hybrid momentum between policy and compliance and what trends are we seeing?
Commercial impact – How could the proposals impact the weight of ESG on the market?

Our panel of top legal, policy and industry experts provide exclusive insights and answer questions on how to navigate this uncertain landscape.

How Is AI Changing the Geopolitical Landscape and the World Around Us?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

AI is transforming the global system in ways not seen since the industrial revolution. Against a climate of significant geopolitical and economic change, how will AI affect the world we live in, from its impact on global power dynamics to the skills of the future? In this in-depth discussion, international affairs advisor Matthew Kirk and partner David Naylor discuss AI and its potential impacts on geopolitics, and how rapid advancements in AI could transform the economy, government, business and the workforce in the future. Together, they cover:

The evolution of the global economy and technological transformation historically as an indicator of the potential impacts of AI
The dominance of a few large tech companies and two major blocs – China and the US – in driving AI developments and how this could play out politically
Whether governments are taking proactive steps to confront issues and effectively prepare for potential challenges
How AI could benefit smaller growing businesses in the long run

Visit our AI Law & Policy Hub for more insights on AI.

The Direction of US Trade Policy and the Longer-term Business Implications

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

If your organization is looking to understand how changes in US trade policy could affect its business, watch this in-depth discussion between international affairs advisor Matthew Kirk and partner Everett Eissenstat on:

Trends in tariffs and how they can be used as tools to reorient the US economy
What is on the horizon for US trade and what companies should look out for in order to respond to the rapid developments in trade policy
The measures businesses can take to prevent risk exposure, including the role of advocacy and proactive planning in helping to mitigate and manage trade disruptions

Although the conversation was recorded before President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement, Matthew and Everett look at the long-term trends, objectives and implications that businesses will need to be aware of to navigate through this turbulent trade landscape.

Hot Employment Law Issues – 2025 (UK)

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our March employment law webinar to find out what should be on your to-do list and what changes you may need to make to your employment documentation, including your practices and procedures.

We cover key developments, including:

The Employment Rights Bill – The bill proposes wide-ranging changes to employment law, from “day one” unfair dismissal rights to greater rights and protections for trade unions. The government has recently announced various amendments to the bill and is expected to launch a number of consultation exercises during 2025 on key proposals contained in the bill. Find out more on the latest developments and why we recommend that employers engage loudly and comprehensively with any such exercises.
Neonatal care leave and pay – A new statutory right for employees to take paid leave from work if their children are admitted to neonatal care will be coming into force from 6 April. We will provide an overview of the new right, including what employers should be doing to prepare.
New failure to prevent fraud offence – The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 created a new corporate offence of failure to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud. This will come into force on 1 September this year across the UK. We highlight what this new offence means for employers and the steps they should be taking to comply with the new requirements.
AI – While the development of AI tools for businesses continues at pace, issues around possible algorithmic bias and discrimination present companies with a minefield of legal and ethical considerations in relation to their HR policies and practices. How comfortable is your organisation on where it is and where it is heading in relation to the use of AI and your employees? We will provide an update on the latest developments in this fast-moving area.

We also share our predictions on the key employment law trends and themes for 2025, without help from ChatGPT.

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme: Handling Workplace Investigations – An Introduction

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar, where we explore the key legal and practical issues to be aware of when handling a workplace investigation, whether it involves a grievance, disciplinary, whistleblowing or other employment matter.

We cover:

The role of an investigator – Responsibilities at law.
Planning the investigation – Scoping and objectives.
Evidence – What should you be looking for? How much investigation is required?
Dealing with witnesses.
The investigation report – Access, structure and presentation.
Findings and recommendations – Points to consider.

This webinar is aimed at junior HR professionals and those who require an introduction to key areas of employment law (including managers with responsibility for staffing issues), as well as individuals who are looking to refresh their knowledge in a particular area. It is led by directors/associates in our Labour & Employment Practice Group.

This is the first webinar in our 2025 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme.

Now & Next – What Can We Expect in 2025?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +00:00

In our latest Now & Next webinar, our US, EU and UK public policy professionals discuss how the change in the US administration in 2025 could affect the economic and political landscape across the globe. We take a look at the tariff, trade and geopolitical developments for businesses to consider to keep pace with the rapidly changing economic climate.

Australian Employment Law – 2024 Insights and 2025 Predictions

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +00:00

This year has seen the introduction of the most significant changes to the Australian employment law and industrial relations landscape since the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

In this webinar, our L&E team reviewed the noteworthy employment law developments of 2024 and provided our predictions on the key issues that Australian employers are likely to face in 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact the presenters or your usual contact in the L&E team.

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme – Effective Performance Management

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +00:00

Our webinar provided advice on the key legal and practical issues to be aware of when handling underperformance in the workplace.

We covered:

A reminder of the basics – the key steps to take when managing underperformance
Common mistakes made by managers, and how to avoid them
Typical problems, such as an employee who raises a grievance, takes sick leave during the process or blames poor performance on health issues

If you have any questions on this topic, please contact the presenters or your usual contact in the Labour & Employment team.

Trends and Prospects in the UK Build to Rent Market for 2025

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

In this 30-minute webinar, our London Real Estate team partners with colleagues from global real estate consulting firm Knight Frank to discuss investment in the UK residential build to rent (BTR) sector.

The webinar covers a brief overview of the UK real estate market, current trends shaping the UK BTR landscape, legal guidance for overseas investors and highlights of some recent BTR transactions.

Now & Next: Global Economic Outlook – How Are Changes in the Economic Climate Affecting Trade, Investment and Funding for Businesses?

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Key takeaways from our most recent Now & Next webinar include:

What is happening in global trade? Following decades of hyper globalization, governments have pushed to reduce reliance on single foreign suppliers. Nearshoring and reshoring will continue, focusing on sectors such as electric vehicles and chips. Geopolitics, sanctions, export controls and protectionism are driving measures taken to protect economic security at the national level.
How are governments managing international trade? There is a restrictive and protectionist wave in different forms. On the restrictive side, there has been an increase in sanctions and export controls, many driven by geopolitical events. On the protectionist side, tariffs have been implemented or increased as trade defense measures.
Could the upcoming US elections have a global economic impact? Either result will likely have a strong America first element. Protectionism and US trade policy will remain uncertain regardless of the outcome. New tariffs could have inflationary consequences, but the true impact depends on whether there is trade diversion and the structure of future tariffs.
How are financial markets viewing government-driven transitions to global trade? There is continued uncertainty and volatility in the market. The era of cheap money has ended, leaving lenders and borrowers having to adapt. Banks are more cautious, imposing more stringent credit conditions. Corporates and sponsors must look for creative solutions in their capital structures to increase liquidity.
Have the central banks squeezed out inflation, and what does that mean for interest rates? The Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England have started to cut interest rates, and a number of other central banks have implemented or accelerated their easing plans. However, there is uncertainty stemming from spiking oil prices, elevated shipping costs and tariff risks. Overall rates will be at a higher level than after the Global Financial Crisis, so will not return to really low levels.
How is trade adjusting to the shifting geopolitical context? Companies are changing their strategies, for example diversifying their supply chains and reassessing their market access strategies, while nearshoring is becoming more popular among European companies. Sustainability and ESG regulation will impact supply chains and company strategies when relocating or selling to existing markets. Many countries are adapting to new and existing sanctions when doing business with sanctioned countries, in a secure way, in line with sanctions.
What should businesses consider when thinking about risks in the global economy? The US elections could be a gamechanger, along with current conflicts and geopolitical tensions across the globe, which could spike energy prices, disrupt logistics and trade, and result in supply chain frictions, leading to unnecessary costs. There is a lot of uncertainty, so businesses should prepare for different scenarios and plan how to navigate uncertainty.

Privacy Assessments: A Discussion of Requirements and Risks and a Mock Assessment Exercise

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar, in which partner Kyle Fath, associate Sasha Kiosse and managing counsel of LIttle Caesars Enterprises Beth Jacobs, discuss privacy assessment requirements and risks, facilitate a mock assessment exercise and explore available resources for carrying out assessments more efficiently and effectively.

Privacy Rulemaking and Enforcement

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar, in which our firm's Global Data Chair Alan Friel and of counsel Lydia de la Torre, and former CPPA Board member, discuss the next generation of CCPA regulations, including employment, ADM/ Profiling/AI and Risk Assessments and Security Audits, as well as enforcement priorities and cooperation between regulators in the states that have enacted consumer privacy laws.

Labour’s New Employment Rights Bill: What UK Employers Need to Know

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

The UK government has recently published its Employment Rights Bill for consultation. As expected, it contains several potentially significant changes to employment law.

During our webinar on 17 October 2024 we:

Outlined the government’s proposed employment law reforms
Discussed what these changes would mean for business
Identified potential challenges for employers and the issues they should be considering

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme – Managing Sickness Absence

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Managing sickness absence effectively can be challenging for employers, especially with sickness absence rates in the UK at an all-time high.

Watch our webinar for the key legal and practical issues to consider when managing employees who are absent from work because of sickness.

We cover:

A reminder of the basics – the key steps to take when managing short- and long-term sickness absence
Typical mistakes made by managers, and how to avoid them
When an employee has a disability, and how far this changes things
Changes you can make to your contracts and policies, to put the business in the strongest position when managing sickness absence

This webinar is aimed at junior HR professionals, those who require an introduction to key areas of employment law (including managers with responsibility for staffing issues) as well as individuals who are looking to refresh their knowledge in a particular area. It is led by directors/associates in our Labour & Employment Practice Group.

This is the third webinar in our 2024 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme. If you would like to pre-register for the final session, please visit our registration page or subscribe to receive our Labour & Employment updates and event invitations directly to your inbox.

AI, Marketing, and Data Monetization: Understanding and Managing Consents, Opt-Outs, and other Regulatory Requirements

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

The convergence of industry trends, business needs and significant advances in technology, particularly with respect to artificial intelligence (ai), marketing and data monetization, have led many companies to collect more personal data, and do more with it. this comes at a time when regulators are actively and aggressively pursuing privacy enforcement and over twenty states have passed comprehensive privacy laws, with most of them imposing consent obligations, opt-out rights and even outright prohibitions with respect to specific activities or certain types of data.

During our webinar, we discussed consent, opt-out and other regulatory requirements relevant to ai, marketing and data monetization, with a goal for you to be armed with information that will help you identify risks, inform business decisions and strategy and serve as a thoughtful and resourceful partner to your organization’s gc/clo, business stakeholders and c-suite.

Now & Next: European Elections Special – What Do the UK and European Elections Mean for Your Workforce?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Key takeaways from our most recent Now & Next Elections Special webinar include:

EU Pay Transparency Directive – The pay transparency directive aims to level equal pay across various European countries, including for pensions. European countries have until 2026 to transpose the directive into local legislation. Once the directive is in effect locally, companies with over 100 employees must report their employee salary range for open job vacancies and their average pay level, although the start date and frequency of reporting will depend on the size of a company’s workforce.
New Deal for Working People in the UK – The new Labour government has proposed introducing wide-ranging employment reforms that will affect how UK businesses manage and recruit employees, including day one rights for employees, most notably a day one right for unfair dismissal, strengthened trade union rights and workers’ rights to certainty over contractual hours. Employees will be protected from unfair dismissal much sooner than they are at present, so recruitment decisions could be brought into sharper focus, as they might come with higher risk. A draft employment rights bill and consultation exercise are expected imminently.
Stable budget vs. popular demand to lower the retirement age in France – The new government is looking to secure, for now, its employment policies developed over the previous year, aiming to encourage investment in business and development in France while refraining from increasing tax and social charges. There has been substantial political support for reverting the retirement age from 64 to 62, but the government has stated such reform is not financially viable in terms of budget, so there may be a shift towards hardship negotiations within the workplace to help employees retire earlier.
Updated employment legislation pending a coalition in Belgium – Following the June elections, discussions on a coalition are yet to be concluded. Recent negotiations revealed a number of employment measures are being proposed, including reducing unlimited unemployment to two years; promoting flexible work so that people who want to work more (with overtime, additional employment, evening work, etc.) are incentivised to do so; and introducing employer contributions towards long-term sick leave. After the elections on 13 October, once Belgium has a government, it likely these measures will be introduced in some form.
What are the top employment law changes for businesses to consider? In France, employers should expect union employee representatives to look to negotiate and bring collective bargaining agreements and company agreements. In addition to retirement, demand for good working conditions will be a top priority to consider. Belgium is seeing a surge in employee terminations, so companies should remember to focus on retention of remaining employee talent. In the UK, businesses should prepare to react to the proposed employment bill that could affect how they manage their workforce.

State Law Privacy Roundup

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

In the first half of 2024, seven new state consumer privacy laws were enacted, and three state consumer privacy laws became effective (plus one on October 1, 2024). Eight more state consumer privacy laws become effective during 2025, and the California Privacy Protection Agency continues its rulemaking activity. Plus, 2024’s American Privacy Rights Act also could gain traction now that congress is back in session after the August recess.

Watch our webinar for a rundown on where we are and what’s ahead for 2025 in consumer privacy.

New Duty Regarding Sexual Harassment at Work in the UK – Are You Ready?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

A recent survey suggested that many employers in the UK are unprepared for the new mandatory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. With the new provisions coming into force on 26 October, employers have very little time to prepare. Come 26 October, you will either have taken the reasonable steps required or you will not, and if you have not, you will immediately be exposed. Acting now or, as a minimum, being seen to think now about whether you need to act, is a likely prerequisite of compliance with this new duty.

In this webinar recording we explored the key challenges and action points for employers arising from the new duty.

Now & Next: European Elections Special – The Green Agenda

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

How Will Recent Changes in Environment, Sustainability and Energy Policies Impact Your Business?

Key takeaways from our recent Now & Next Elections Special webinar:

The new European Commission (EC) is prioritising a clean transition that emphasises environmental sustainability, climate action, energy efficiency and housing, in response to the current geopolitical and economic landscape. Key themes include competitiveness, industrialisation and decarbonisation.
The prospect of a European Green Deal 2.0 appears unlikely; instead, the focus will be on implementing numerous legislations that were agreed upon on the environmental and climate field in the previous legislature. There is still much to explore in the EC’s mission letters and new initiatives, particularly in clean industries, chemical industries, water resilience and affordable energy.
Given the changes in the power dynamics, the EC aims to strike a balance among its leadership while concentrating on the implications of current green energy laws, rather than proposing new legislation. Investment is a critical priority, necessitating a strategic alignment between environmental objectives and funding needs in collaboration with the European Union (EU).
Companies must pay close attention to both primary and secondary energy legislation, with ongoing attention to the circular economy and emerging strategies in the bioeconomy and water resilience. The EU mission letter outlines a roadmap to end energy imports from Russia and emphasises the need for an energy investment strategy focused on infrastructure, supply security, and clean energy solutions.
Compliance with new and existing legislation presents significant challenges for both companies and member states as these regulations are implemented.
In the UK, the Labour Party secured victory in the 2024 general election, committing to transform the nation into a clean energy superpower with a target of achieving net zero carbon electricity by 2030. Its agenda includes reversing climate policy rollbacks from the previous Conservative government and adopting a comprehensive climate strategy. A significant challenge lies in obtaining the necessary funding for these initiatives while effectively communicating its plans to the electorate.
While the government has outlined various plans for environmental reform, securing funding poses potential financial pressure on citizens through increased taxes, which could adversely affect the government. Additionally, the planning system presents substantial obstacles to the development of energy infrastructures.
Companies in the UK face heightened regulatory changes, requiring strict compliance, particularly with the Corporate Sustainability Directive enacted in 2022, which will impact their reporting for the 2024-2025 financial year.
The government intends to expand the use of wind, solar and nuclear power as renewable energy sources to ensure energy security and lower costs for constituents. The government is committed to maintaining alignment with previous policies, such as the Climate Change Act, while also addressing competitive factors like the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to ensure a level playing field in Europe.

The 2024 Revolution in Administrative Law: Chevron and Beyond

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

In our recent webinar our team explains the Supreme Court's quartet of major decisions (Loper Bright v. Raimondo, SEC v. Jarkesy, Ohio v. EPA and Corner Post v. the Fed), exploring the deep consequences of these decisions and discuss the opportunities and challenges that may lie ahead including:

What does the 2024 revolution mean for the future of the administrative state?
What opportunities does it present for litigating against the government?
How will it affect agency decision making?
What does it mean for regulated businesses?

Now & Next: European Elections Special – State of Play in the EU, France and UK

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Key takeaways from our recent Now & Next Elections Special webinar:

In the European Union (EU) there were major gains for the populist right with a newly the established group, “Patriots of Europe” making them the third largest party in the European Parliament.
A core challenge will be the re-appointment of the European Commission (EC) president Ursula von der Leyen on July 18. Both the EC president and businesses will need to reflect on how to engage and work with the populist right.
The EU is keen to discuss with the UK ways to ease friction around trade by establishing improvements around bottlenecks.
Stronger defence spending and investment, diversifying the EU’s supply chains and capacity in key technologies, building on the green and digital transition and maintaining a robust and sustainable trade policy, are likely to dominate the next 5-year policy agenda.
Whilst in France there is currently a hung parliament with the left bloc “New Popular Front” coming out on top.
However, they still need to agree on the potential candidate to lead as Prime Minister. In the meantime, the central block is also seeking to create an alternative majority. This unprecedented situation is creating political uncertainty and possible longer-term instability.
In any case, the new French government will need to compromise across the wining coalition as the left bloc parties vary from hard-left to centre-left creating differences on key policies and priorities. They will need to find allies beyond their mere simple majority, possibly on a per project basis. The French parliamentary system is not used to such coalition building exercises.
Depending on the political hue of the government, France may be less pro-business, less pro-EU and more state centric.
In the UK, the move from right of centre to centre left likely to lead to more stability than past 8 years but will have to operate within severe fiscal constraints.
The core ambition and challenge will be stimulating growth while keeping taxes under control.
Businesses should keep an eye on changes to worker rights and areas of social regulation.

Money, Money, Money: Pay Equity and Transparency – Global Trends

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

There is increasing pressure on companies to be more transparent about how (and how much!) they remunerate their staff, especially as greater pay transparency is seen as a key driver in reducing the gender and ethnicity pay gap.

In our second virtual panel discussion in our 2024 “Global Board Issues” series, our speakers explored key challenges and opportunities for global companies when it comes to pay equity and transparency, including:

What do we mean by “pay transparency” and “pay equity”?
Why do these issues matter to the board and its ESG and sustainability strategy?
The evolving legislative landscape in key jurisdictions around the world – recent/forthcoming changes to be aware of, including how to prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
Action points – key challenges when seeking to implement greater pay transparency/pay equity and how to address them.
Lessons learned – we share our experiences of advising on pay transparency and global pay equity audits.

Are You Cyber and NIS2 Ready?

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Against a backdrop of rising cybersecurity attacks on critical industries and infrastructure, the EU will implement its new Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) on 18 October 2024. It builds on the previous NIS Directive (NIS1), affecting more sectors, with stricter reporting requirements and higher fines for noncompliance, including personal liability for senior management for certain obligations.

In this webinar our panel of data privacy and cybersecurity experts guide you through the requirements and the steps you need to be taking now for NIS2 readiness.

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme – Grievances in the Workplace

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our webinar in which we provide practical advice on key issues to be aware of when handling grievances in the workplace.

We cover:

A reminder of the basics – the key steps to take when dealing with workplace grievances
How much investigation is required
Typical mistakes made by managers and how to avoid them
Common problems, such as grievance-related stress and absence

This is the second webinar in our 2024 Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme. If you would like to pre-register for any of the other sessions, please visit our registration page or subscribe to receive our Labour & Employment updates and event invitations directly to your inbox.

California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

July 1 is approaching quickly, when nearly all California employers are required to design, implement and maintain a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) as a result of SB 553. In addition to a plan, the new law requires employers to maintain a violent incident log, as well as provide yearly training to employees on how to identify and avoid workplace violence.

Watch our webinar recording, where we outline the law’s requirements, as well as best practices and business-friendly strategies for implementing them.

Labour & Employment UK Webinar Programme – Disciplinary Issues in the Workplace

Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Our webinar provided practical advice on the key issues to be aware of when taking disciplinary action that may lead to the termination of employment.

We covered:

Practical hints and tips to ensure your proceedings and dismissals will stand up to scrutiny before an employment tribunal
The most common mistakes made by managers and how to avoid them
Typical problems, such as employees who go off with stress or raise grievances mid-process
An effective paper trail – why it is important and what it should look like

If you have any questions on this topic, please contact the presenters or your usual contact in the Labour & Employment team.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – A Global Perspective

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Tackling workplace sexual harassment remains a key priority for legislators and regulators globally, meaning that employers who fail to take proactive steps to address this issue may be subject to increasing legal liabilities, not to mention damaging PR in the Court of Public Opinion. Further, with various countries introducing new obligations on employers this year to prevent sexual harassment, the global spotlight on this issue seems set to continue.

In the first virtual panel discussion of our 2024 Global Board Issues series, our speakers explored key challenges and action points for global companies, including:

Legislative and regulatory developments – recent and upcoming changes to be aware of, including compliance and areas of risk
Why sexual harassment in the workplace is a board issue, including how it plays into a company’s wider culture and its ESG and/or sustainability strategy
Investigating and resolving allegations of sexual harassment – typical challenges we have advised on and how to address them
Working with global companies – we share our experiences of what works well when implementing policies/procedures, running training programmes, creating a healthy workplace culture, etc.

Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Update

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

We were delighted to partner with Fisher German and The Wildlife Trusts on this seminar, which primarily focused on biodiversity net gain, following its recent implementation.

Our panellists David Myers and Alex Watts provided legal and commercial insight into how the market is working in practice, while Dr. Rob Stoneman discussed The Wildlife Trusts’ work on green finance and landscape recovery nationally.

Please find below a recording of the session, alongside the slides, which we hope you find useful.

We are also pleased to share further details on the work of The Wildlife Trusts in the field of Biodiversity Net Gain, including, The Wildlife Trust Consultancies Biodiversity Net Gain service and the Nature Markets Principles, as mentioned during the seminar*.

*By clicking on the links you will be directed to The Wildlife Trusts’ website. Please note that The Wildlife Trusts and its website are not affiliated with Squire Patton Boggs. Squire Patton Boggs does not accept any liability for The Wildlife Trusts’ content, and it does not constitute legal advice.

Women in Finance Virtual Panel: Challenges and Opportunities Facing Business in 2024 – A Global Outlook

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

To celebrate International Women’s Day and in partnership with the newly launched Squire Women’s Affinity Network and the Office of DEI we hosted a webinar, in which an expert panel discussed three of the biggest issues of 2024.

Our theme for this year is, Empowered Women, Empower Women, and this webinar provided an invaluable insight into the hottest topics affecting all businesses and industries in the year ahead.

The three big issues discussed were:

Severe economic headwinds – Argued by HSBC UK economist, Liz Martins
Climate change and ESG – Argued by firm partner, Lucy Webster
Geopolitics – Argued by firm international affairs advisor, Matthew Kirk

UK Business Immigration – What's in Store for 2024?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

Watch our March Business Immigration webinar recording, where Annabel Mace and May Cheung bring you up to speed on key UK immigration changes in the pipeline, particularly those affecting employers that sponsor (or are looking to sponsor) non-British/Irish talent under the Skilled Worker route of the Home Office’s Points Based System, including:

Salary threshold increases from 4 April 2024 for Skilled Worker visas
The impact for existing sponsored employees, Student and Graduate visa holders and other categories
The new Immigration Salary List (replacing the Shortage Occupation List)
Other relevant changes in the new Immigration Rules from 4 April 2024
The end of sponsor licences renewals but the beginning of tougher sponsor compliance?
Digitalisation of the UK immigration system, including the transition from Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to online status from 31 December 2024
The increase in civil penalties for illegal working to £60,000 per person and other recent right to work changes

This webinar is aimed at anyone with responsibility for sponsored employees, including HR, global mobility and talent acquisition professionals (particularly from a compliance perspective) and in-house counsel, as well as anyone holding Authorising Officer, Key Contact or Level 1 user responsibilities for their organisation’s sponsor licence.

Download a copy of the presentation materials (pdf).

Hot UK Employment Law Issues in 2024

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +00:00

2024 looks set to be a busy year on the employment law front, with a flurry of legislative changes coming into force in April 2024 and more developments likely over the next 12 to 18 months.

Watch our March Employment Law webinar recording to find out what should be on your to-do list over the next 12 months and what changes you may need to make to your employment documentation, including your practices and procedures.

We cover key developments, including:

Sexual harassment in the workplace – From Autumn 2024, employers will be under a new mandatory duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their employment. We highlight what these changes are likely to mean for employers and the steps they should be taking to comply with this new duty.
Parents and carers – A number of new rights for parents and carers will be introduced in April 2024, together with changes to the flexible working regime. Find out what you must do to ensure you are compliant.
General election – With a general election due to take place later this year, we take a brief look at what a Labour government might mean for UK employment law.
Other employment law developments – There is potentially more happening on the legislative front over the next 12 to 18 months, including a new statutory right to request a predictable working pattern, and proposed reforms to noncompetition clauses.

We also share our predictions on the key employment law trends and themes for 2024 and discuss some key cases that may have practical implications for your business.

AI in 2024: What 2023 Developments Mean for 2024

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +00:00

In 2023, Artificial Intelligence (AI) became part of the daily news and daily life. AI is expected to revolutionize how we live and work, fueling massive investment and prompting regulatory scrutiny, as well as the development of new legislative frameworks and best practices.

In our webinar on February 6, 2024, we looked back at major 2023 AI developments and what they mean for assessing AI risks and rewards in 2024.

Speakers:

Charles Helleputte (Head of EU Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets – Brussels/Paris)
Julia Jacobson (Partner in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets – New York)

Global Deforestation Regulations – How EU and US Initiatives Will Reshape Global Supply Chains

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +00:00

The EU Deforestation Regulation has entered into force and will prohibit the placing of relevant commodities and products on to the EU market or exported out of the EU if not deforestation-free and complying with the legislation of the country of production. Various actors in the supply chains of the concerned commodities will face strict due diligence rules, underpinned with verifiable data, and effective checks by authorities.

Similarly, the US is currently progressing the Forest Act of 2023, which would require importers of certain specified products identified as being at high risk for contributing to illegal deforestation to certify they have mitigated the risks that their product was produced on land that has been subjected to illegal deforestation.

Relevant products containing, fed with or made using relevant commodities and their derivatives are concerned, including:

Wood
Beef
Palm oil
Soy
Coffee
Cocoa
Rubber

During our webinar we discussed the updates on the status of the adoption and implementation of those regulations, and browsed the regulatory framework set up and the associated legal challenges.

Healthcare Employer Update: A Practical Discussion of Recent Employment Law Changes Affecting Workplaces in the Health Industry

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +00:00

Healthcare organizations have recently seen major changes to the law, and 2023 has been no exception. This program discusses the key employment law changes affecting the healthcare sector, along with practical suggestions for employers seeking to manage these new obligations.

The topics include:

Managing new and upcoming safety obligations, including the DHS’s proposed staff mandate and developments in safety inspections.
The rise of unions representing doctors, and other labor union developments affecting both union and non-union employers.
Strategies for non-competes in light of the FTC’s proposed ban, recent state law changes and new standards at the NLRB.
How organizations can (and should) continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in light of SFFA v. Harvard and recent legal challenges.
Managing new obligations concerning leave and job accommodations for nurses, staff, and other workers.
Practical insights for addressing return-to-work efforts and remote work considerations.
New authority affecting Anti-Kickback compliance.

Sharing their insights and perspectives are Carmen J. Cole and William J. Kishman from our Labor & Employment Practice Group.

Special Briefing on AI: Global Challenges and the Road Ahead

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +00:00

Policy-makers, legislators and regulators around the world are moving rapidly to navigate the challenges and possibilities presented by artificial intelligence. Initiatives such as the Bletchley Declaration, the G7 Code of Conduct, President Biden’s executive order 13960, China’s regulatory framework on generative AI, and the currently negotiated EU AI Act reflect the dynamic evolution of the legal and regulatory landscape. The issues at stake are critically important for anyone in a leadership role with responsibility for the deployment of AI, or whose business may be disrupted by AI-enabled competitors.

Our global AI policy and regulatory experts discuss the current global landscape of AI policy and law, and guide you through the key measures you need to take to address both present and future developments.