On 30 November 2023, Eurofound published a new research report on the right to disconnect.
The report is based on a survey of employees and HR managers in Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. It examines how the right to disconnect is implemented at the company level.
On 16 November 2023, the Fair Work Commission ruled on an employer's right to refuse a request for remote work.
The decision marks an important first step following the entry into force of the new flexible work legislation, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay), that came into force at the beginning of the year.
Among the significant changes introduced by the law is granting the Fair Work Commission the power to decide a dispute over a flexible work request.
On 24 November 2023, presidents and chief executives of the member federations of BusinessEurope met in Brussels to present their priorities for the next Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
On 30 October 2023, President Biden issued an executive order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to set out general standards governing the use and development of AI across industries.
It stresses the importance of using AI safely and responsibly and advancing a coordinated, Federal Government-wide approach.
On 15 November 2023, the Court of Appeal of Uganda reaffirmed the employer's right to terminate the employment relationship by providing notice or payment in lieu of notice.
It stated that where the notice period is observed, or compensation is paid in lieu thereof, employers are not obliged to give reasons for dismissal under Section 65(1)(a) of the Employment Act.
It is based on the assumption that termination of employment is distinct from dismissal for misconduct or poor performance, which requires procedures and reasons.
On 12 December 2023, ILO presented its first global report on public employment services (PES) and active labour market policies (ALMPs), published on 14 July 2023.
ILO presented its main findings during an online launch event, with the participation of the World Employment Confederation (WEC), the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), and the World Bank (WB).
The report's findings will be used to provide technical advisory services for ILO Member States.
On 8 December 2023, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act.
The Act aims to ensure that AI systems in the EU respect fundamental rights and values, while stimulating innovation and investment in AI in Europe.
Both Parliament and Council must formally adopt the agreed text for it to become EU law.
The AI Act should apply two years after it enters into force.