International Perspectives: Labor and Employment Newsletter

Follow-up on Labor Reforms in France
The nationwide agreement signed in January 2008 by most of France's national trade unions contained several proposals meant to give more flexibility and to secure the French employment market. Law n°2008-596 of June 25, 2008 entitled “Loi de modernisation du marché du travail” (literally the “law modernizing the Labor market”) applies some of the provisions of the nationwide agreement. Read More >

Stock Options for Works Council Members in Germany
A recent judgment of the federal labor court underlines again how important it is that the right legal entity within a group of companies grants stock options and that no misleading representations are made to the employees in this context. Failure to take these requirements into account can lead to unexpected financial consequences that can be substantial. Read More >

UK’s Immigration Transformation Is Underway
The biggest shakeup of the UK immigration system in 45 years is now fully underway and progressing at full speed; and employers should not be left behind. The first of the changes to the system manifested itself on 29 February 2008 with the introduction of the initial stage of the new Australian-style points-based immigration system, which represents the system by which non-EU migrants wishing to come to the UK to work, study or train must comply. The majority of the remainder of the changes will be rolled out later this year with the few remaining items taking effect in the early part of 2009. Read More >