Global Employment News: Recent Developments in International Labor Markets
In the realm of UK employment, several significant developments are shaping the landscape.
A new report suggests integrating menopause discussions into mid-career medical visits, launching an economic study on its impact on women's professional activity, and designating a Menopause and Employment Ambassador. Meanwhile, a French parliamentary report proposes 25 recommendations for better handling menopause in the workplace.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, following the April 2025 ruling in *For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers*. This means that, for the purposes of employment law and the Equality Act, a woman is defined by her biological sex rather than gender identity. However, it's important to note that this ruling does not remove protections for transgender and non-binary individuals, who remain protected under other provisions of the Equality Act and related legislation.
This ruling has practical implications, such as requiring separate single-sex facilities based on biological sex, which has generated debate and tension regarding access to single-sex spaces like toilets in the workplace. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued interim guidance to help employers navigate these changes while maintaining inclusive and non-discriminatory practices.
On another front, nearly 94,000 employees retired in 2024, and the number of employees retiring before 65 has decreased significantly in recent years. The average retirement age in the UK was 66 years and 1 month old in 2024, marking the first time it topped 66 years.
In the world of technology, 70% of adults have used AI in their daily lives, but only 44% have used it in their jobs, below the global average. On the other hand, 67% of UK businesses placed cost saving in their top three priorities over the next year, while 46% saw sustainability as a top three priority.
The issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is also a focus for UK business leaders. A survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) suggests that UK business leaders are committed to DEI and are not planning significant changes to their current DEI approach.
In the gig economy, Uber and Bolt drivers in Poland went on strike on 15 April 2025, protesting poor pay conditions, high commissions, and unadjusted rates. The drivers bear operational costs, such as insurance, but have no guaranteed minimum income.
Lastly, a survey conducted by Pride in Leadership found that 85% of participants faced career obstacles because of their LGBTQ+ identity, with some reporting feeling the need to change their behavior or appearance to be taken seriously at work.
These developments highlight the complex and evolving nature of the UK employment landscape, where issues such as menopause, gender identity, retirement trends, technology adoption, cost savings, and DEI are all playing significant roles.
- The incorporation of menopause discussions in mid-career medical visits, as suggested by a new report, could potentially impact women's professional activity and employment.
- In the wake of the UK Supreme Court's ruling, the legal definition of a woman in employment law and the Equality Act is now based on biological sex rather than gender identity.
- The implementation of separate single-sex facilities, a result of the aforementioned ruling, has sparked debate and tension concerning access to these facilities in the workplace.
- As the average retirement age in the UK surpasses 66 years, there's a significant decrease in the number of employees retiring before 65.
- While 70% of adults use AI in their daily lives, only 44% of UK employees use it in their jobs, presenting a gap compared to the global average.
- Moreover, the survey conducted by Pride in Leadership reveals that 85% of LGBTQ+ participants face career obstacles due to their identity, raising concerns about inclusivity and diversity within UK businesses.
