The Employment Rights Bill is poised to bring significant changes to the human resources landscape, with HR teams actively gearing up for the adjustments necessary to comply with the new legislation. A recent study by law firm Freeths underscores the pressing need for businesses to align their priorities with the upcoming reforms. The survey reveals that 38% of HR professionals
The year 2025 has been marked by an unprecedented increase in layoffs, reminiscent of the worst periods during the pandemic. Numerous employees find themselves abruptly called into unexpected meetings with HR and their managers. The meetings are brief, unemotionally conducted, and within a few minutes, employees find their access to work systems revoked and their years of dedicated service to
The landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in the case of E.M.D. Sales Inc. et al. v. Carrera et al. introduces a new “preponderance of the evidence” standard for proving FLSA exemptions. This ruling is poised to significantly impact employers, providing them with a clearer framework for employee classification and potentially reducing the risk of misclassification lawsuits. This
Despite the political shifts and administrative actions initiated by the Trump Administration as of early 2025, the legality of gender identity discrimination in the workplace in the United States remains firmly grounded in established federal and state laws. Legal experts urgently remind employers that despite recent attempts to redefine certain legal distinctions, the protections against workplace discrimination based on gender
In a significant move expected to impact high-earning employees and their relationships with their employers, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden recently unveiled a new policy designed to streamline the process of managing dismissals for high-income positions. This policy has introduced a high-income threshold, targeting employees who earn above $180,000 per annum. In an effort to ensure a
The political landscape surrounding gender identity protections has always been tumultuous, but recent executive actions have added more layers of complexity for employers to navigate. President Donald Trump’s administration aimed to eliminate what it terms “gender ideology” by recognizing only male and female genders in federal regulations and processes. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has been instrumental in this
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently experienced significant changes in its policies related to transgender discrimination cases. These changes have sparked considerable debate and concern regarding how transgender and gender non-conforming individuals will be affected. A notable shift stems from an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump on January 20, mandating the official recognition of only
The year 2024 has been a landmark period for employment law, with substantial regulatory changes affecting businesses in Arizona. Employers now face a series of new compliance requirements that encompass multiple aspects of employment, from wage regulations to the legality of non-compete agreements. To navigate these complex changes effectively, Arizona businesses must stay informed and proactive in adjusting their policies
Remote and hybrid work models have become increasingly popular, offering businesses flexibility and access to a broader talent pool. The shift to these models has been driven by technological advancements and the need for companies to adapt to evolving employee preferences. However, these models bring a host of compliance challenges that companies must address to avoid legal penalties, disputes, and
The case of Kristina Kelley, a television producer who suffered a stroke and was subsequently terminated after taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, raises significant legal and HR considerations. This article delves into the legal implications and the key takeaways for employers and HR professionals. Employee’s Situation and Initial FMLA Leave The Stroke and FMLA Leave Kristina Kelley,
A significant legal challenge has emerged against Starbucks’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a lawsuit alleging that Starbucks’ DEI initiatives violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws by favoring women and people of color. This case could set a precedent for the broader legal and political landscape surrounding DEI efforts in the private
The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced significant changes for employers everywhere starting in 2025, reflecting a broader governmental push for stricter labor law enforcement and highlighting the necessity of compliance. One of the most critical parts of these changes includes the increase in penalty rates for several key employment law violations. The updated penalty rates, which took effect on
