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Compliance News
Netherlands

The Netherlands to reform its pension system [updated]

On 22 December 2022, the Dutch House of Representatives approved the draft bill of the Future of Pensions Act (in Dutch: Wet toekomst pensioenen – WTP). The legislation, which goes before the Senate in January 2023, aims to implement reforms of the Dutch supplementary pension system that were agreed upon between employers, employees, and the government in 2019. The WTP introduces several important changes, notably the obligation to provide occupational pension schemes on a defined contribution (DC) basis only instead of a defined benefit (DB) provision accrual.
The WTP will come into effect on 1 July 2023. A transition period until 1 January 2028, previously 1 January 2027, applies for employers and pension providers to implement the changes in consultation with the employees and/or their representatives.

Ireland

Ireland expands family leave entitlements [updated]

The Irish government recently approved the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 which introduces a right to request flexible working arrangements, five days of government-paid domestic violence leave, and five days of unpaid carer’s leave (called “serious medical care leave”).

The Bill is currently in its third reading before the Irish parliament and is expected to enter into force in the near term (the exact date is yet to be determined).

Uruguay

Uruguay Passes Sweeping Pension Reforms with the Creation of a Common Pension System

The government of Uruguay has passed legislation (Law No. 20130) creating a new Common Pension System (Sistema Previsional Común) which modifies many aspects of the existing statutory pension arrangements, including increasing the state pension age, allowing retirees to continue working, and requiring greater participation in the mandatory individual account scheme. As with other countries around the world, Uruguay has recognized the rising pressure of an aging population on state-funded retirement benefits, and these modifications aim to encourage people to work longer and to reduce financial liabilities on the public system.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg enacts right to disconnect

Luxembourg has amended its Labor Code under articles L. 312-9 and L312-10 to introduce an explicit right to disconnect for employees and implement fines for employers who fail to take action or breach the provisions of a right to disconnect agreement. The law came into force on 4 July 2023.

Canada

New leaves in Canada

Effective 22 June 2023, Canada has extended the maximum duration of child death and disappearance leave for federally regulated employees. Effective 30 May 2020, Manitoba has increased bereavement leave and added miscarriage leave.

Netherlands

The Netherlands abolishes discounts on medical premium: What’s next for employers?

The Dutch government decided at the beginning of 2023 to eliminate the premium discounts that were historically available to group health insurance plans, known locally as collectives (collectiviteitskorting). This has left some employers reconsidering the value of a group plan and whether they should consider offering other benefits to offset the loss of the premium discount.

Portugal Expands Parental Leave

Law no. 13/2023 amending portions of Portugal’s labor law entered in to force on 1 May 2023
and contains provisions expanding parental leave entitlements and the right to request telework arrangements for parents of young or disabled children.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom Spring Budget 2023

The UK government recently announced changes in pensions, childcare, universal support scheme, and employee share plans, among others, as part of the Spring Budget 2023 to remove obstacles to participation in the workforce.