Littler

September 2, 2026 Lexology PRO Jim Paretti says federal sexual harassment enforcement has changed under the current administration, and a patchwork of state and local training, policy and prevention requirements is forcing multistate employers to rethink their compliance programs. Lexology PRO

An alarming number of workers are choosing to report anonymously likely out of fear of retaliation within their organization. Against a backdrop of job insecurity, general instability and fear of retaliation, increased anonymous reporting will continue, Gregory Keating of Littler predicts. That is unless corporate leaders and compliance professionals make meaningful strides in their programs. A trend has emerged that should cause tremors throughout the compliance community.

On Governor Newsom’s desk is a bill (AB 1697) that would amend California’s “anti-TRAP” law (AB 692), which restricts employers’ ability to enforce training and retention repayment provisions and other stay-or-pay provisions in employment agreements. The governor is expected to sign these amendments into law. The following summarizes the major changes these amendments would make.

WASHINGTON (September 8, 2026) – Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute® (WPI®) – the government relations and public policy arm of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management – has released its 2026 Labor Day Report. Now in its ninth edition, the report provides an update on the top workplace trends impacting employers in 2026.

By Oli Moreton September 8, 2026 1 minute read The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a consultation on proposed reforms to the remuneration rules for certain FCA solo-regulated firms. The consultation (CP26/27) opened on 14 July 2026 and closes on 16 September 2026.

On June 26, 2026, the European Commission published its long-awaited guidelines on the application of the EU Forced Labour Regulation (EU) 2024/3015. The EU Forced Labour Regulation prohibits the placing on the market, making available, and exporting of products made with forced labour.

As the end of the second year of the second Trump administration draws near, federal agencies are gaining momentum. While immigration enforcement and anti-DEI efforts have garnered the most media attention, other issues impacting the workplace are changing the way employers operate. This Labor Day, Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute takes a look at ten notable developments and trends affecting employment. 1.

The New York Legislature recently passed a bill that would impose new procedural requirements on employers seeking releases of claims in employee severance agreements. The bill, known as the No Severance Ultimatums Act, is expected to be delivered to Governor Kathy Hochul before the end of 2026.

ASAP A recent UK Court of Appeal decision points to limitations of the use of training repayment provisions as a protection of investments. By Lisa Coleman September 4, 2026 1 minute read Many employers use training repayment provisions to protect investments made in developing their workforce.

By Léon Hartgenbusch September 4, 2026 1 minute read Working in Germany does not automatically mean that German employment law applies. And an agreement in the employment contract selecting German law should not be relied upon in isolation. Two recent decisions by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the German Federal Labor Court make this clear. Their shared core message is this: the place of work, the choice of law, and the wording of the contract matter.