European Union: Employee Rights/ Labour Relations

The Dutch government has proposed a complete withdrawal of the transition payment compensation scheme for employers, reversing its original plan to merely restrict it to small employers. This significant policy shift raises critical questions about the future of dormant employment contracts and the legal obligations of employers when terminating employees after long-term illness, particularly in light of the landmark Xella ruling.

Poland has already implemented recruitment-related requirements from the EU Pay Transparency Directive, with broader legislation still pending. The proposed framework includes stricter procedural requirements...

US employers expanding to Ireland will find a balanced employment law framework that differs significantly from American "at-will" practices but offers surprising advantages. While Irish law mandates written contracts, generous leave policies, and formal dismissal procedures, it also provides greater predictability, limited union obligations, and streamlined dispute resolution compared to both US litigation and heavily regulated European markets. Understanding these key distinctions—from mandatory ben