Issue 117
Welcome to the latest edition of our international employment news update.
In this edition we look at:
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UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on sex
The much-anticipated judgment could have far-reaching implications about access to single-sex spaces and services. The case arose after the Scottish government used quotas to try to achieve gender balance on public sector boards, with transgender women being included in the quotas. The campaign group, For Women Scotland challenged the quotas, arguing that only those who were born female should have sex-based protections.
The Supreme Court had to determine the correct interpretation of 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010. The judges concluded that the definition of 'sex' is determined by biology, meaning that a person who is not born as a female cannot obtain the protection the Equality Act gives to women through changing their gender with a Gender Recognition Certificate.
The Court emphasised that this decision does not mean that transgender people are without legal protection. They are protected through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, as well as being protected from direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and harassment due to their gender.
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Menopause: overcoming the taboo in the French workplace
A recent French parliamentary report proposed 25 recommendations for better handling menopause, including in the workplace. The Ministry of Labour recommended measures be taken to integrate menopause into mid-career medical visits at the age of 45 and to have a dedicated medical exam established. There are also plans to launch an economic study aimed at measuring the impact of menopause on women's professional activity. The designation of a Menopause and Employment Ambassador is also proposed, who would be responsible for raising awareness and advising companies on this topic.
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British firms remain committed to DEI
A recent survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) suggests that UK business leaders may be taking quite a different approach to DEI to that taken by their US counterparts. More than 70% of bosses confirmed that they plan no changes to their current DEI approach, with 4% actually planning to expand their DEI activities. Only 10% of leaders plan to scale down their DEI programmes. The chief of the IoD commented that 'the prevailing view among British businesses is that decisions made by US government and US companies will have little to no bearing on investment in their own [DEI] programmes'.
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UK staff feel pressure to be 'less gay'
A survey conducted by a network of LGBTQ+ business leaders, Pride in Leadership, found that 85% of participants faced career obstacles because of their identity. Over 50% felt their identity influenced career decisions as they avoided certain roles or sectors because of discrimination fears. Some respondents reported changing their behaviour, appearance or voice to be taken seriously at work and others reported feeling they have to 'be less gay' in the workplace. Matt Haworth, the co-founder of Pride in Leadership commented that 'the playing field is far from level'.
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Uber and Bolt drivers 'strike' across Poland
Drivers gathered in major Polish cities on 15 April 2025 to protest their poor pay conditions, with particular criticism of the platforms' high commissions and the rates not being adjusted in line with rising costs and inflation. The strikers' key demands include greater transparency around the setting of tariffs with a minimum fee per kilometre driven, higher night rates and a minimum fee per ride, regardless of distance. Similarly to recent French Deliveroo and Uber Eats strikes, the drivers bear operational costs, such as insurance, whilst having no guaranteed minimum income.
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Average retirement age in Netherlands tops 66 for first time
In 2024, almost 94,000 employees in the Netherlands retired and their average age was 66 years and 1 month old. According to Statistics Netherlands, this was the first time that the average retirement age had topped 66 years. The number of employees retiring before 65 has decreased significantly in recent years, mainly due to most early retirement schemes being abolished after 2006. In 2014, 47% of retiring employees were 65 years or older and in 2004, that was only 12%. In 2004, almost 75% of employees retired before the age of 62, whereas in 2024, less than 5% retired before the age of 62. This is consistent with the trends being seen across Europe with retirement ages increasing due to a growing older population and shrinking workforce.
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Salary gap between university leavers and the lowest earners decreases
The recent increase in the National Minimum Wage has reduced the salary gap between low earners and university leavers. The increase means the minimum salary for a full-time worker in the UK is now £25,500. Research by Indeed found that 10% of graduate roles at the end of 2024 were advertising salaries of £25,000. At the time, this meant the lowest paying graduate jobs offered a premium over the minimum wage, however the rise in minimum wage means the gap has now closed.
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British staff embrace AI at home, but not in the workplace
An EY report found that 70% of UK adults in the last six months have used AI in their daily lives, but only 44% have in their jobs. This is reportedly below the global average of 67%. The findings showed that UK users mainly use AI for minor tasks like planning travel or comparing price points. The report also found a generational divide in attitudes towards AI. Younger people showed high levels of interest and comfort in using AI, but trust dropped among older generations. EY's UK&I client strategy leader, Catriona Campbell, commented that 'AI's potential excites people as much as it concerns them'.
There are good reasons for employers to be careful in permitting use of AI. For more information click here.
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Travel costs increasingly prioritised over sustainability by UK firms
A recent survey by Uber for Business revealed a trend of UK businesses focusing on the cost of corporate travel over its sustainability. 67% placed cost saving in their top three priorities over the next year and 39% ranked it top. In contrast, 46% of respondents saw sustainability as a top three priority. This is said to show a significant shift in focus from the last five years, where there has been a greater emphasis on sustainability. The director of Uber for Business UK noted that 'given the economic uncertainty affecting businesses around the world, it's unsurprising to see the cost of travel being at the forefront of people's thinking'.
However, whilst sustainability isn’t the top priority, it is still considered. 56% of firms actively track and try to limit travel related emissions, which has for example, prompted car rental companies to broaden their electric vehicle options.
Click here for further discussion of the challenges around ESG.
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