8 things to know in global HR today
- 01Europe·Policy & Law
UK to strengthen tribunal protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women from 2027
The UK government confirmed that from 2027, employment tribunals will take a stricter approach to unfair dismissal cases involving pregnant women and new parents, a key pillar of the Employment Rights Act and the Make Work Pay agenda. The reform removes the two-year qualifying period, making protection against pregnancy and maternity discrimination a day-one right for all employees.
- 02Europe·Policy & Law
UK unfair dismissal qualifying period to shorten to six months from January 2027
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims in the UK will be reduced from two years to six months, with the provisions expected to take effect in January 2027. Employers are advised to ensure dismissals have a fair reason and follow a reasonable, well-documented process ahead of the change.
- 03United States·News
Electronic Arts to lay off 400 employees
According to a Business Journals daily digest, video game company Electronic Arts announced plans to lay off 400 employees. The digest also noted OpenAI's acquisition of a San Francisco biotech startup, unrelated to HR.
- 04United States·People
Automattic begins layoffs amid board upheaval and executive exits
Automattic, parent of WordPress.com, Tumblr and WooCommerce, has begun layoffs over the past week affecting its communications, social, WordPress.com and VIP enterprise teams, with insiders warning more cuts may follow. The move comes after a failed September board attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg, which triggered a full board turnover and departures of the CFO, interim CFO and chief legal officer.
- 05Canada & Latin America·News
TC Transcontinental closing Owen Sound plant, affecting 360 employees
Canadian packaging company TC Transcontinental is closing its plant in Owen Sound, Ontario, affecting 360 employees. The report did not provide further details on the closure timeline or severance arrangements.
- 06Canada & Latin America·Research
Argentina loses 12,700 formal private jobs in July, 14th straight month of decline
Argentina's official SIPA data shows formal private-sector employment fell by 12,716 jobs in July, marking 14 consecutive months of decline. Year-to-date losses total 134,034 jobs, a 2.2% contraction. Construction (-0.6%) and financial intermediation (-0.4%) led losses, with manufacturing, retail, transport and hospitality also affected, seven months after the government's labor reform.
- 07Europe·Policy & Law
French lawmakers pass amendment allowing early retirement at 62 for workers with 42 years' contributions
On October 22, France's National Assembly passed a Green Party-backed amendment to the 2027 social security budget that would let workers with 42 years (168 quarters) of pension contributions retire at 62, with employers paying wages equal to a full pension until legal retirement age in exchange for reduced social contributions. The measure is far from taking effect, as passage of the overall budget is considered highly unlikely in a divided parliament.
- 08Europe·News
VW's Skoda Auto unions reject salary freeze as part of group savings plan
Reuters reported that unions at Volkswagen's Skoda Auto have rejected a proposed salary freeze that was part of the broader VW group's cost-saving measures.
Picked by importance across regions (at most two per country), from the day and the day before (US Eastern time). Every brief links to the original reporting.