European Employment Insights: August 2026 – 13 countries, key developments and the business perspective
In the August edition of Andersen Employment Insights, experts from 13 European countries examine the changes that are influencing employers’ specific decisions.
Here are a few topics that are particularly worth noting:
Pay transparency and equal pay. In Cyprus, experts are translating the EU Pay Transparency Directive into specific ‘do’s and don’ts’ – ranging from providing pay ranges and prohibiting employers from asking candidates about their previous earnings to documenting pay decisions. Meanwhile, Croatian case law shows that the principle of equal pay may also be relevant when comparing the pay of employees of the same sex.
Where does the line for monitoring employees lie? In Italy, the data protection authority imposed a fine of €460,000 on an employer in connection with access to former employees’ work email accounts. The case demonstrates that even a suspicion of a serious breach of employment duties does not give an employer an unlimited right to view, monitor and store company correspondence.
Greater flexibility in employment – but subject to specific rules. In Moldova, proposals include ‘zero-hours’ contracts, higher overtime limits and more flexible rules on the organisation of working time. In Lithuania, meanwhile, draft regulations concern algorithmic management and platform work, including the employee’s right to have decisions made automatically verified by a human.
New: Client Perspective
In August, we are also giving a voice to those for whom employment law is part of day-to-day business management.
Rui Gomes, VP of Menzies Portugal, discusses the challenges of managing a team of 3,500 people in the demanding, highly regulated aviation sector, cross-border operations, and what international companies really expect from their legal advisers.
“Understand the business first and then give me the law.”
Poland – key insights
- Planned measures to facilitate communication between employers and trade unions and works councils
- An important judgement concerning civil law contracts concluded with entities affiliated with the employer
- Draft maximum hourly rates and working time limits for medical staff
- A breach of the GDPR is not just a risk of an administrative fine – 40,000 PLN in compensation for the disclosure of personal data resulting from an error in a mass email campaign
These are just some of the changes discussed in the August issue. 13 jurisdictions, local expertise and a practical perspective on European labour law – this time also from the client’s perspective.
We encourage you to read the full edition of the newsletter – LINK
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Magdalena Patryas or Maciej Pietrzycki.
KONTAKT
E: magdalena.patryas@pl.Andersen.com
T: +48 32 731 68 84
M: +48 502 392 419
E: maciej.pietrzycki@pl.Andersen.com
T: +48 32 731 68 50