US: Cos. Shouldn’t Alter Noncompete, Severance Agreements Yet

In two highly publicized administrative actions, the Federal Trade Commission and the National Labor Relations Board have sought to end, or at least significantly curtail, the use of noncompete agreements, and standard non disparagement and confidentiality provisions in severance agreements, respectively. Both actions will be challenged, thus creating a limbo period for employers as the … Read more

Australia: In the crosshairs – ACCC confirms review of no-poach provisions in employment contracts

As noted in our 27 March 2023 Employment Note, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh MP (Leigh) recently requested advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about the competitive impacts of non-compete post-employment restraints. Leigh suggests that non-compete clauses in employment contracts hampers job mobility and wage growth, and … Read more

UK: Court of Appeal rejects technical early conciliation arguments

The Court of Appeal has ruled that an employer could not have claims from multiple claimants struck out on the basis of a technical breach of tribunal rules concerning Acas Early Conciliation certificate numbers. Early conciliation had been completed in respect of all of the claims, but the EC certificate number given on the claim … Read more

UK: Internal grievance report could not retrospectively acquire legal privilege

Employers should bear in mind that internal grievance investigation reports will usually not be privileged and so will be disclosable at tribunal. A recent EAT ruling held that the original version of an internal report, which was not privileged at the time it was prepared, did not later acquire legal advice privilege simply because comparison … Read more

Australia: Privacy Act reform: What employers need to know

The recent spate of cyber attacks and data breaches in Australia has renewed focus on the Australian Government’s ongoing review of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). The new Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, had already promised “sweeping reforms” and a suite of proposals before the end of the year. However, expectations – of both the … Read more

Global Employment Risk: An interactive guide

Since the onset of the pandemic, our global employment team has been monitoring the level and changing nature of risks around the world.  Whilst some trends have accelerated i.e. whistleblowing regulations, there are some new and important developments that pose significant employment risks. We have mapped these across the major financial centers using an interactive … Read more