22 September 2022
On 13 September, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released its Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains. The aim is to promote respect for human rights within companies and facilitate the implementation of human rights monitoring mechanisms in supply chains. The guidelines apply to all companies operating in Japan, regardless of nationality or size. The guidelines are consistent with existing international human rights standards, including the UN Guiding Principles...
14 September 2022
On 05 September the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD) together with the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) unveiled the launch of a Food and Drink Careers Passport to help people acquire the basic skills needed to start a career in the food and drink industry. Designed for job seekers, who can, under certain conditions, benefit from it free of charge, this passport can also be given by companies. Designed and developed by the sector, it provides for a comprehensive and 100% online training course...
9 September 2022
The John Lewis Partnership, which owns the eponymous department store chain as well as Waitrose supermarkets, announced on 31 August that it is to give its some 80,000 employees free meals between 3 October and 6 January. The aim of the policy is to help them contend with the sharply rising cost of living, with the rate of inflation having exceeded 10%. The meals will be given during working hours to both permanent employees and temporary workers. A John Lewis spokesperson said that one meal will be offered for a...
8 September 2022
California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom has finally signed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act/ FAST Recovery Act, or AB 257, which will improve working conditions in the fast food industry in his state (c.f. article No.13181). The act establishes a Fast Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations that will comprise 10 members including 4 employer representatives, 4 employee representatives, one representative from the Department of Industrial Relations, and one...
5 September 2022
On 29 July, China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the National Health Commission issued an ‘urgent’ directive aimed at ‘resolutely’ combating employment discrimination against those who have recovered from Covid-19. Indeed, given that even slightest sign of a positive Covid test can result in all business activities ceasing, many employers appear to have developing their own workplace-based zero tolerance illness policies which is translating into a form of punitive...
2 September 2022
The International Labour Organization has launched an initiative in partnership with sportswear giant Nike to “reduce injuries and deaths from road accidents among garment and footwear workers”. This sector was selected as such workers are disproportionately involved in road accidents, for example as a result of “commuting long distances”, according to a statement announcing the initiative. Nike will produce “guidance materials” on commuting safety, which will be piloted at...
31 August 2022
Since 11 August 2022, Scottish employers have had free access to a digital platform that contains a wealth of information to support employers who want to engage in tackling and ending the stigma surrounding mental health. The new platform, which contains advice and training as well as contacts and legal information, aims to help employers implement a culture of well-being at work. “Happier workforces create successful businesses – it’s a win-win for all involved,” said Kevin Stewart the Minister for...
29 August 2022
On 23 August, Luxembourg’s Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Georges Engel, together with the Minister of the Economy, Franz Fayot, and the social partners, met within the framework of the Comité de conjuncture (Economic Committee, the primary goal of which is to maintain employment). They met to consider solutions to alleviate the underemployment occurring in companies, which, due to Ukraine-conflict-related gas supply shortages, might temporarily contract or cease business....
27 July 2022
While legal proceedings related to the status of gig economy workers have multiplied over the last few years (c.f. article No.12369 and No.12605), on 26 July the UK government published fresh guidance on this topic. This information is geared to HR departments, employers, and workers who sometimes have no knowledge of the subject, even though British labour legislation is very specific. Indeed, several worker statuses can be specifically identified, the best known of which are ‘employee’ that enjoys greatest...
22 July 2022
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) agents are inspecting three Amazon sites located in New York, Orlando (Florida), and Chicago (Illinois, following a referral from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, over potential health and safety violations. The investigation focuses on “potential worker safety hazards” as well as potential “fraudulent conduct designed to conceal accidents from OSHA”.
