News updates as of 6 January 2017

On the menu : UK appoints first-ever ‘defender’ of employment law, merger of four main finish industry sector unions planned for 2017, Uber driver considered an employee by Swiss work accident insurer, new regulations on overtime and temporary work in Japan.  
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

United Kingdom: country appoints first-ever ‘defender’ of employment law. On 5th January, the UK government appointed Sir David Metcalf as Director of Labour Market Enforcement. The role has been created to prevent exploitation of employees, to identify employers paying less than the minimum wage, and to monitor the practices of employment agencies. Sir David, an economist who was one of the founding members of the Low Pay Commission, will direct the following three services: the Gangmasters an

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
Vincent Lecerf (Orange): “Equality and diversity are competitive advantages for us”
Following the signing of a new agreement on professional equality and diversity in December, the chief HR officer of French multinational telecommunications corporation Orange Group, Vincent...
13 January 2026
United Kingdom: government urged to legislate against forced labour
After consulting victims, businesses and NGOs, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) has published a report showing that the UK is lagging behind in the fight against forced labour. The...
13 January 2026
Poland: reform introduces possibility of working for another employer while on sick leave
On 7 January, the President of Poland promulgated an amendment to the country’s social insurance act. The reform aims to clarify the activities permitted during sick leave, so that...
France: social partner talks extend far beyond contractual terminations
After a false start on 3 December, French social partners resumed talks on 7 January 2026 on potential changes to the unemployment insurance agreement, including the rules governing compensation...
12 January 2026
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
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
2
Italy: collective agreement for rubber and plastics sector focuses on new skills
A month ahead of schedule, the Federazione Gomma Plastica employers' organisation and the Filctem-Cgil, Femca-Cisl and Uiltec trade unions have renewed the collective agreement for the rubber and...
5 January 2026
3
France: social partner talks extend far beyond contractual terminations
After a false start on 3 December, French social partners resumed talks on 7 January 2026 on potential changes to the unemployment insurance agreement, including the rules governing compensation...
12 January 2026