Expert Analysis

• New Bill Introduces Important Whistleblower Protections

  

  If enacted, a bill that proposes the establishment of an independent whistleblower office in the U.K. offering protected disclosures will encourage individual whistleblowers, and alleviate the pressure for companies to investigate complaints, say lawyers at Tenet Law.

• Nonfinancial Misconduct Lessons From Rail Worker's Win

  

  While financial services firms wait for the Financial Conduct Authority’s final policy statement on nonfinancial misconduct, an Employment Tribunal’s recent award to a railroad worker targeted by a hostile human resources team provides guidance on developing even-handed and inclusive company policies, say attorneys at Shoosmiths.

• Important Changes To Note In Accountant Ethics Code Update

  

  The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales' forthcoming code of ethics will bring a number of significant updates to raise standards within the profession, but also risks of professional indemnity claims that could lead to challenges for firms, say lawyers at RPC.

• Despite Divisive Political Rhetoric, DEI Is Alive And Well

  

  ​The World Economic Forum's recent finding that DEI initiatives have continued to rise amid political headwinds raises the question of whether reports of the death of DEI are exaggerated, especially as employers must focus on new pay gap reporting obligations in the U.K. and Europe, say lawyers at Herbert Smith Freehills.

• How GCs Can Protect Cos. From Geopolitical Headwinds

  

  Geopolitical uncertainty is perceived by corporate leaders as the biggest short-term threat to global business, but many of the potential crises are navigable if general counsel focus on what is being said about a company and what the company is doing, says Juliet Young at Schillings.

• Get Ready For Big Employment Law Changes In UK This Year

  

  In 2025, employers should be reviewing artificial intelligence risks and anticipating potential immigration policy changes while preparing for updates to 28 areas of law that are on the horizon with the Employment Rights Bill, which represents the biggest change to employment law in decades, say lawyers at Morgan Lewis.

• 5 Trends Employers Can Consider To Secure Proprietary Info

  

  With noncompete clauses under scrutiny in the U.S. and U.K., companies may want to consider other restrictive covenants or clawback provisions to protect sensitive company data with fewer risks of legal challenge, says Daniel Stander at Vedder Price.

• Forced Labor Imports Raise Criminal Risks For UK Retailers

  

  Last summer’s London appeals court ruling applying the Proceeds of Crime Act to products made with forced labor, potential legislative reforms and recent BBC allegations about Chinese produce harvested by Uyghur detainees suggest British importers and retailers should increase scrutiny of their supply chains, says Ian Hargreaves at Quillon Law.

• Preventing Harassment At Office Holiday Parties And Beyond

  

  In response to the Worker Protection Act's new duty for employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, Nick Hurley and Amelia McRae at Charles Russell outline six steps companies should take — including some suggestions to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas party.

• Labour Budget Pension Changes May Strain Employers

  

  While the Labour government’s new budget included only a few pension changes, its increases to employer national insurance contributions and inheritance tax reforms may pose monetary and operational challenges for employers, says Beth Brown at Arc Pensions Law.

• FCA Survey Results Reveal Rise In Nonfinancial Misconduct

  

  After a Financial Conduct Authority survey recently reported a significant rise in nonfinancial misconduct, there are a number of preventive steps firms should take to create a healthy workplace environment and mitigate the risk of increased regulatory scrutiny, say lawyers at WilmerHale.

• Employer Tips For Avoiding Unlawful Age Discrimination

  

  A recent study shows that despite legal protections, age discrimination remains a significant, often overlooked challenge in the U.K. labor market, meaning employers should make age a key focus of their diversity and inclusion initiatives in order to minimize risks of liability and reputational damage, says Daniel Stander at Vedder Price.

• What New Int'l Treaty Means For Global AI Regulation

  

  Lawyers at Bird & Bird consider how global artificial intelligence regulation will be affected by the first international AI treaty recently signed by the U.S., EU and U.K., as well as its implications for business and several issues that stakeholders should be aware of.

• 2 Highlights From Labour's Notable Employment Rights Bill

  

  The Labour government’s recently unveiled Employment Rights Bill marks the start of a generational shift in U.K. employment law, and its updates to unfair dismissal rights and restrictions on fire-and-rehire tactics are of particular note, say lawyers at Covington.

• Complying With Growing EU Supply Chain Mandates

  

  A significant volume of recent European Union legislative developments demonstrate a focus on supply chain transparency, so organizations must remain vigilant about potential human rights and environmental abuses in their supply chain and make a plan to mitigate compliance risks, say lawyers at Weil.