Managing the fallout of Covid-19

The 31 August 2020 agreement marks the completion of a process of reflection that commenced in March, during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, and that focused on revising the short-time...

17 September 2020

Germany: short-time working scheme is extended until the end of 2021 (updated with details on social security contribution cover for those on short-time working)

On 16 September Germany’s Federal Council of Ministers (Bundeskabinett) passed the ‘Law on job security in light of the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic" (Gesetz zur Beschäftigungssicherung)...

17 September 2020

Italy: after the health related state of emergency period, changes are in sight for smart working

Italy’s Labor Minister Nunzia Catalfo has convened a meeting with the social partners during the week 21 September to reflect on a reform to Law 81 of 2017 (that establishes smart working), in...

16 September 2020

France: coronavirus recognized as an occupational illness

On 15 September a decree published in the Official Journal (here) opened a small door for workers who have worked in establishments particularly exposed to the risk of Covid-19 contamination and...

15 September 2020

Portugal: remote working or flexible working hours recommended (and compulsory in Lisbon and Porto) due to re-emergence of Covid-19

The Portuguese government has recommended that remote working or telework should be in place wherever possible. This measure was decided in the Council of Ministers as part of the plan to combat...

14 September 2020

Austria: health crisis related short time working altered slightly and extended until March 2021

Austria’s short time working allowance, one of Europe’s most generous, in so far as it covers between 80% and 90% of the employee’s latest net salary, will be extended beyond the...

10 September 2020

Great Britain: confusion reigns over the governments back to the office work plan

While the UK press had announced at the end of August that the Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson would be unveiling a ‘back to work’ plan, the government ended up denying it had any...

7 September 2020

France: a recovery plan to promote ecological transition, economic sovereignty and competitiveness, with employment as a priority

100 billion euros is set to be injected into the economy until 2022 as part of the ‘France Recovery’ plan that the government presented on 03 September. From this more than 15 billion euros will...

3 September 2020

The Netherlands: tripartite agreement to extend support measures for companies dealing with a fall-off in business

The Dutch Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment (NOW, Tijdelijke Noodmaatregel Overbrugging voor Werkbehoud) that provides employee salary compensation support is to be...

2 September 2020

France: new health protocol for companies makes mask wearing mandatory in shared spaces

New health requirements at companies, in order to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, are in force from today, 1 September. Firms will also be allowed to “gradually” implement measures to supplement...

1 September 2020

United Kingdom: firms tempted to keep mass remote working in place in September

Only a fifth of UK companies plan to re-open their offices to staff next month, according to a survey conducted by specialist HR site People Management, reported on 25 August. The same study...

27 August 2020

Argentina: further extension to job support programme

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to advance in Argentina, the country’s government has extended the pillars of its employment and business support programme (see article n°11960)...

26 August 2020

Italy: new measures to support jobs and the economy

On 7 August Italy’s council of ministers approved the so-called 'Decreto Agosto' (August decree), which will see a further €25 billion freed up to support employment and the economy, notably by...

25 August 2020

Portugal: business support programme seeks to promote economic recovery after Covid-19

At the end of July, the Portuguese government adopted an economic activity support scheme aimed at encouraging companies to gradually resume their activity or production after having benefited...

24 August 2020

France: specific long-term short time working scheme set up

The decree setting up a “specific short time working system” for cases of a “lasting reduction in activity” was published in France’s official journal on 30 July. The regime allows companies faced...

24 August 2020

France: the government presents its Youth Plan, which contains financial aid for recruitment

The 750,000 young people who are preparing to enter the struggling French labour market represent a key priority for the new government, which "is committed to and as part of the recovery plan has...

23 July 2020

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France: Orange submits gender equality agreement – including AI provisions – for union approval

The three representative trade unions at Orange France have until 10 December to validate an agreement on gender equality, work–life balance and anti-discrimination measures. While the text...

8 December 2025

mind RH analysis – Initial findings from CSRD social indicators

In 2025, for the first time, the universal registration documents of major European companies contain the sustainability reporting required by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive...

31 October 2025

Candice Guillot (Talan): “Our recruiters save just over 80 hours per year on administrative tasks thanks to AI”

Candice Guillot, group director of employee experience and HR performance at Talan (7,000 employees), outlines for mind RH her vision and strategy for introducing artificial intelligence at the...

20 October 2025

France: generative AI and older workers central to BPCE’s skills management strategy

On 17 July 2025, BPCE and its trade unions signed a second agreement on jobs and career management within the banking group. The text places generative artificial intelligence at the core of its...

15 October 2025

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Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”

On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...

3 December 2025

Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle

In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...

2 December 2025

Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining

On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...

2 December 2025

France: Decathlon introduces a ‘duty to respect others’ right to disconnect’

A right-to-disconnect agreement was signed in late September for the French arm of the Decathlon sports retail group. It sets out a "duty to respect others’ right to disconnect" and provides...

14 November 2025

France: construction sector turns to long-term partial activity scheme

Amid the ongoing economic crisis hitting France’s construction sector, social partners in the public works industry (350,000 employees) signed an agreement at the end of October enabling companies...

21 November 2025

Inditex European works council mobilises on value sharing

In a joint statement, 10 trade unions comprising the European works council of the Inditex clothing group are calling for rallies in Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany...

24 November 2025