The Global Legislative Update for June 2021 provides insights from Mercer consultants around the globe about key legal developments affecting employers’ benefit and human resource programs in various countries. Download the 51-page print-friendly PDF to read the full issue. Here are some highlights of the latest coverage:

Global

• COVID-19 roundup: Countries address workplace issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic (updated)
• Remote working: ‘Milestone’ agreement signed with global union federation
• Remote working roundup: Employer resources on rights/trends (updated)

Americas

• Argentina: Seven-step minimum wage increase announced
• Bermuda: Employment and labor laws revised
• Canada: Relief for pension and deferred salary leave plans extended
• Colombia: Decree allows three years to pay missing contributions
• United States: Major bipartisan retirement reform legislation revived

AsiaPac

• Australia: Employment measures included in Budget 2021-22
• China: Basic medical insurance for employees to be improved
• Hong Kong: Consultation issued on corporate governance changes, diversity and ESG
• India: Maximum life insurance benefit increased
• Japan: Listed companies face more ESG, diversity disclosures
• Malaysia: Updated corporate governance code includes gender board quotas and ESG considerations
• Singapore: CPF contribution increases to take effect in 2022

EMEA

• European Union (EU): Workers can use EU law to make equal pay claims
• Austria: Remote working measures enacted
• Belgium: Company car tax treatment for zero emission vehicles announced
• France: Government confirms renewal of tax-free Macron Bonus scheme
• Germany: Works councils’ rights expanded, artificial intelligence and remote work addressed
• Ireland: Consultation on fees paid for by pension schemes
• Isle of Man: Guidance on expenses and benefits-in-kind issued
• Kenya: Parents adopting children entitled to leave
• Netherlands: Pension plan reforms delayed
• Norway: Consultation on remote work regulations opened
• Poland: Remote work legislation proposed
• Saudi Arabia: Public health providers added to insurance networks
• Spain: Rights for delivery workers using digital platforms and information on AI use provided
• United Kingdom: Employment-related legislative priorities outlined in Queen’s Speech