News brief

EU: the Commission will set up an Expert Group on the impact of AI in the world of work
The news. On 22 July 2026, the European Commission published a progress report on the EU-27’s achievements regarding the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, reinforced by the...
23 July 2026
Belgium: toward an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child
The news. On 18 July, the Belgian federal government approved a draft bill introducing an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child. This entitlement would be added to existing...
23 July 2026
Germany: a national action plan to strengthen collective bargaining
The news. On 22 July, the German federal government unveiled a national action plan to promote collective bargaining in response to the requirements of the EU minimum wage directive. The directive...
23 July 2026
Belgium: Government Proposes Annualised Working Time
The news. On 18 July, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a preliminary draft bill introducing annualised working time, allowing hours to be averaged over a full year rather than on a weekly...
22 July 2026
Germany: at Tesla, the “Optimus” project could further escalate labor tensions
Tesla’s announcement that employees at its German Gigafactory will be used to test the humanoid robot “Optimus” comes amid significant legal uncertainty that could further inflame the conflict...
EU: the Commission launches the second phase of consultation on quality jobs
Eight months after the first phase, the European Commission finally launched the second stage of consultation with social partners on 20 July for an initiative on quality jobs expected by the end...
21 July 2026
Spain: Banco Santander offers early retirement from age 55
The management of Spanish bank Santander and the trade unions reached an agreement on 17 July on an early retirement scheme that will allow employees to leave the company voluntarily from the age...
Greece fifth country to finalise transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive
The info. On 6 July, Greece finalised the transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive with the enactment of the law and its publication in the Official Gazette. Most of its provisions...
20 July 2026
Ireland: Government approves miscarriage leave before the 23rd week of pregnancy
The news. On 14 July, the Irish Cabinet approved a bill introducing paid leave for employees who experience an early miscarriage, extending entitlement beyond the current framework, which only...
20 July 2026
Greece: bill to promote supplementary retirement savings submitted for public consultation
The news. On 13 July, the Greek Ministry of Labour launched a public consultation on a draft bill aimed at expanding funded supplementary retirement savings alongside the mandatory public...
17 July 2026
Italy: employers’ organisations agree on how to determine the reference collective agreement for each sector
The news. Fourteen employers’ organisations, including the country’s largest business associations—Confindustria (industry), Confcommercio (commerce and services) and ANIA...
17 July 2026
France : PwC strengthens its diversity policy despite the shadow of Trump
The info. Questioned by mind HR on the HR strategy of the audit and advisory firm PwC regarding AI (7,000 employees), the HR Director of its France and Maghreb subsidiary Sophie Mouhieddine also...
16 July 2026
Germany: Berlin steps up efforts to cut “bureaucracy” in the workplace
The news. On 15 July 2026, the German federal government adopted a package of measures aimed at “reducing bureaucracy” in the workplace. The package primarily targets labour law...
Poland: decree sets maximum workplace temperatures
The news. On 9 July, Poland’s Minister of Labour, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, signed a decree introducing new obligations for employers during heatwaves. The regulation establishes...
15 July 2026
Germany: Volkswagen and Porsche face massive restructuring
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board met on 9 July to review a sweeping restructuring plan that includes the elimination of up to 120,000 jobs and the closure of factories in Germany. The carmaker’s...
France: increase in the minimum hourly activity pay for platform delivery riders
The info. On 10 July, the French Employment Platforms Social Relations Authority (ARPE) announced the signing of an amendment to the agreement on the minimum income of independent food delivery...
13 July 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
British bank Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs to invest in AI
Banking group Barclays has announced the cutting of 5% of its global workforce by the end of the year. Beyond disappointing quarterly results, Barclays primarily intends to free up the funds...
2
Germany: non-EU recruitment remains marginal despite skilled immigration reform
The news. Nearly a year and a half after the entry into force of the “Skilled Immigration Development Act”, only 4% of businesses have recruited at least one employee directly from a...
3
EU: several social texts promised for 2027
The news. On 4 November, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2027. While the focus is once again on simplification, several social texts have been announced. The European...
4
EU: Commission presents strategy for vocational training
The news. On 5 November, the European Commission published its 2026-2030 strategy for vocational education and training. The text comes six years after a dedicated Council recommendation, but...