In a landmark move, the UK government has taken a significant step towards addressing the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals enduring pregnancy loss by committing to amend the Employment Rights Bill to include miscarriage in its bereavement rights. Sarah Owen, the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC), has been a staunch advocate for this cause and
Gender disparities continue to be a significant issue in the workplace, especially when it comes to opportunities and confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling. A recent study by Randstad revealed a striking gender gap in AI proficiency, with only 29% of women confident in their AI skills compared to 71% of men. This 42% gap hinders women’s career progression, as
One of the major challenges organizations face today is bridging the gender gap in leadership roles. Despite numerous efforts, women continue to be underrepresented at almost every stage of the corporate hierarchy. According to a recent McKinsey report, this underrepresentation is a persistent issue, with women hitting barriers to advancement far earlier in their careers compared to their male counterparts.
With the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the United States, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced new steps to address and combat this scourge within academic institutions. The EEOC’s renewed focus on religious bias, specifically antisemitism, aims to safeguard university staff from harassment and discrimination based on their religious beliefs. Acting Chair Andrea
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
As artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies rapidly evolve, transforming workplaces globally, the Australian government faces growing pressure to update the Fair Work Act of 2009. This push for legislative reform is driven by the increasing use of AI and ADM systems in essential employment processes and operations. A forward-looking report from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment,
The U.N. Cybercrime Convention, formally titled “Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes,” represents the United Nations’ first international criminal justice treaty of the 21st century. Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on December 24, 2024, this landmark treaty emerged primarily to address the growing threat of cybercrime in an increasingly digital world. The development of
In an age where workplace equality and inclusivity are paramount, Thailand finds itself at a crossroads in enhancing its workplace harassment and discrimination laws. The current legal provisions aim to offer some degree of protection to employees, but they fall short in addressing the full spectrum of discriminatory practices and harassment that can occur in diverse workplace settings. These gaps
In a move that has sparked significant controversy and debate, President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order that rolls back a long-standing anti-discrimination directive, initially established in 1965. The directive had enforced essential protections for workers employed by federal contractors, prohibiting discriminatory practices based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin.
Despite years of efforts to bridge the gender pay gap in the UK, recent analysis shows that it will take until 2065 for the gap to close, highlighting a concerning reality that progress is still painstakingly slow. A study conducted by pensions and reward company Isio analyzed data from 10,000 companies, revealing that women’s median hourly pay in the 2023-24
A growing consensus is emerging among employers and researchers about the need for stricter enforcement and potential banning of unpaid and underpaid internship schemes. The research conducted by the Sutton Trust highlights several critical issues related to access and equitable distribution of internships, which have become essential for securing desirable job positions. Presently, there is a noticeable class divide that
The recent legislative development introduced by the Federal Government of Australia aims to enhance gender equality within the workplace. The bill, known as the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024, mandates that organizations with a workforce of at least 500 employees establish and meet specific gender equality targets. This article delves into the provisions of the
