News update as of April 4, 2019

On the menu : paternity leave extended in Spain, UE Parliament adopted a provisional agreement on work-life balance, in the USA Google requires its external providers and sub-contractors to align their social benefits with its own, overtime hours capped in Japan, in Poland the ban on Sunday opening assessed as positive.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Spain/Legislation extending paternity leave from 5 to 8 weeks comes into force. Since 01 April, fathers (and for same sex couples, the second parent) will be able to take 8 weeks of fully paid leave instead of 5 weeks formerly. This latest provision is another element in a series of measures aimed at fostering gender equality at work that were adopted in March 2019 (c.f. article No. 11030). Two of these 8 weeks should be taken consecutively when the baby first arrives and the following 6 weeks

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...