Legal Voices

This episode explores how employment law works across Canada’s provinces, including termination with and without cause, common law notice, and the importance of well-drafted employment contracts for employers operating in the Canadian market.

Platform work continues to challenge traditional employment frameworks. In this episode, Meritas Labour & Employment Group members discuss how different jurisdictions are addressing worker classification, from the EU’s new Platform Work Directive to recent Supreme Court decisions in New Zealand and ongoing litigation in the UK.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Law Podcast, host Sam Murray-Hinde (Howard Kennedy, London) is joined by Annejet Balm (Lexence, Amsterdam), Rositsa Vasileva (DPC, Bulgaria), and Ján Gazdík (BEATOW PARTNERS, Slovakia) for a practical discussion on termination for cause across Europe. The panel explores how employers can lawfully dismiss employees in different jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. They examine the legal grounds for dismissal, procedural requirements, evidentiary standards, and the growing importance of settlement agreements.

In this episode, members of the Meritas EMEA Employment Group return to the topic of Employers of Record (EORs) to explore how these arrangements operate across additional European jurisdictions. Employment lawyers from Croatia, Germany, and France discuss whether EOR models are legally permitted, the regulatory and compliance risks businesses may face, and the practical alternatives available for hiring talent without establishing a local entity. The conversation also draws on comparative perspectives to highlight why EORs require careful legal analysis and why local rules, licensing requirements, and control considerations matter.

This episode explores how jurisdictions across the U.S. and Europe approach restrictive covenants, examining the enforceability of non-competes, non-solicitation clauses, and confidentiality obligations, and the practical considerations multinational employers must navigate.

This episode examines the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, with perspectives from the UK and Spain on legal risks, compliance requirements, and how employers can balance global values with local realities.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Group Podcast, employment lawyers from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands discuss how works councils influence mergers and acquisitions. From mandatory consultation rights to post-acquisition considerations, our panel explores the impact of works councils across borders and shares practical insights for employers and dealmakers.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Podcast, we take a closer look at the EU Pay Transparency Directive and its implications for employers across Europe. Host Sam Murray-Hinde (Howard Kennedy, UK) is joined by employment experts Łukasz Górzny (DZP, Poland) and Federico Torzo (Ughi e Nunziante, Italy) to discuss how the directive is being implemented, the cultural and operational challenges it creates, and the steps companies should take now to prepare for compliance by 2026.

In this special edition of the Meritas EMEA Employment Podcast, the M&A EMEA Practice Group takes over to explore the HR and employment law issues that arise during cross-border M&A transactions. Host Sam Murray-Hinde (Howard Kennedy, London) is joined by Christoph Morck (Brækhus, Oslo), Jonathan Polin (Howard Kennedy, London), Marco Pereira Cardoso (pbbr, Lisbon), and Iva Basaric (Babic & Partners, Zagreb) to discuss: - Cultural alignment and integration strategies - Key personnel retention and incentivization - Due diligence and deal structuring - Employment-related risks and post-transaction compliance Whether you're advising buyers or sellers, this conversation offers valuable insights into how legal teams can work together to ensure seamless transitions.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Law podcast series, lawyers from the UK, Netherlands, and Norway examine the growing use of Employers of Record (EOR) to support cross-border hiring. They explore how EORs function in each jurisdiction, the legal and administrative challenges involved, and what companies need to consider before choosing this model. Topics include employee rights, local law compliance, data protection, and practical risks for hiring companies. To learn more about Meritas, visit meritas.org.

In this bite-sized episode from the Meritas EMEA Employment Group, employment law experts from the UK, Switzerland, Spain, and Greece discuss the legal challenges that arise when employees work remotely from another country. Topics include applicable employment laws, cross-border social security obligations, and the risk of triggering a permanent establishment.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Group podcast, host Sam Murray-Hinde (Howard Kennedy, UK) is joined by employment law specialists Kato Aerts (Lydian, Belgium), Emma Richmond (Whitney Moore LLP, Ireland), and Hans Helwig (GvW Graf von Westphalen, Germany) to explore how whistleblowing laws have evolved across Europe. The conversation compares the impact of the EU Whistleblowing Directive on national legislation, challenges with implementing internal reporting systems, and the importance of building trust and a strong "speak up" culture in the workplace. The episode also touches on whistleblower protections, potential misuse of the laws, and the nuances of cross-border compliance.

In Episode 3 of Legal Voices: EMEA Employment Law Podcast, experts from the UK and Belgium discuss neurodiversity in the workplace, covering legal obligations, challenges for neurodivergent employees, and practical steps employers can take to foster an inclusive work environment. Featuring Sam Murray-Hinde (Howard Kennedy), Mandy Armstrong (Andersen Strathern), and Kato Aerts (Lydian), this episode explores how businesses can better support neurodivergent talent while ensuring compliance with UK and Belgian employment law.

In this episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Group podcast, our experts dive into the intricacies of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. From the UK’s legal framework to the unique challenges faced in Bulgaria, Germany, and France, this discussion highlights how different jurisdictions handle post-termination restrictions. The episode covers the enforceability, compensation requirements, and potential legal hurdles employers face when using non-competes to protect their business interests. Tune in for insights on how businesses can navigate these complex issues while ensuring fair and reasonable practices.

This episode of the Meritas EMEA Employment Group podcast delves into the implications of AI in the workplace, addressing compliance with employment laws, data protection requirements, and the EU AI Act. The conversation covers key risks, such as discrimination claims and AI-facilitated fraud, and practical safeguards employers can implement, including data audits, proper oversight, and clear employee guidelines. With insights from experts in Austria and the UK, this podcast provides a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping employment practices across borders.