The US initiates social media screening for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, the UK Employment Rights Bill becomes law, and the EU updates asbestos rules to strengthen worker protection – plus other updates.
Lexology PRO explores some of the most useful articles published on Lexology and externally across key areas of employment and labour law over the past week to help stay abreast of key issues.
This key update was produced with the assistance of generative AI.
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European Union
On 19 December 2025, Spain’s National Institute for Safety and Health at Work and the General Directorate of Traffic signed a two-year cooperation agreement to reduce work-related road accidents. The agreement focuses on data sharing, research, training and awareness campaigns, and introduces a national workplace road safety award. A joint monitoring group will oversee implementation and progress.
On 18 December 2025, the European Commission released new measures to strengthen protection for workers exposed to asbestos. The package includes practical guidelines to support the implementation of the revised Asbestos at Work Directive 2023 and an updated list of occupational diseases that adds additional asbestos-related conditions. The changes reduce exposure risks and promote recognition and compensation for affected workers.
On 17 December 2025, Greece’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security enacted a ministerial decree outlining a five-year action plan to strengthen collective bargaining agreements (CBA). The plan focuses on expanding coverage of CBA, protecting workers after agreements expire and accelerating dispute resolution. Key measures include creating a tripartite working group, digitising CBA data and strengthening monitoring to increase transparency.
On 17 December 2025, the Danish government proposed a bill to amend the Working Environment Act 1999, allowing prison sentences for employers who deliberately or through gross negligence breach asbestos regulations. The proposal requires asbestos test results to be shared directly from third-party analysts to employees to prevent fraud. The bill increases fines for larger companies that fail to report workplace accidents and breach construction site safety plans.
On 15 December 2025, Sweden’s Ministry of Labour and Employment approved a proposal on activity requirements and a benefit cap for social assistance recipients. Individuals receiving social assistance for over three months must participate in individually tailored activities such as job search, training and language learning from 1 July 2026. The reform capped benefit levels, tightened eligibility rules and restricted assistance for unlawful migrants to emergency aid, effective 1 January 2027.
United Kingdom
On 18 December 2025, the UK Employment Rights Bill received royal assent, marking a major reform across England, Wales and Scotland. The law introduces day-one access to sick pay, paternity and parental leave, curbs on zero-hours contracts and stronger safeguards against harassment. Unfair dismissal rights will apply after six months’ service from 1 January 2027. The new law repealed the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which had required minimum staffing levels during strikes in key public services.
On 16 December 2025, the UK Department for Work and Pensions launched an independent investigation into the causes of rising unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds. The review will examine systemic drivers across health, education and labour markets and publish an interim report in spring. The findings will support reforms linked to the £1.5 billion (US$2 billion) Youth Guarantee. A call for evidence is open until 30 January 2026.
On 15 December 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive fined wood manufacturer E.T.C. Sawmills £160,000 (US$213,678) for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The case involved a serious accident where a worker’s right leg below the knee was amputated while he was clearing a jammed log on a conveyor. The investigation found failures in risk assessment, machine safeguarding, training and supervision.
Australia
On 17 December 2025, the Australian Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against vegetable producer Bulmer Farms for underpaying 28 migrant workers more than AU$645,000 (US$426,213) and violating the Fair Work Act 2009. The company allegedly paid flat weekly salaries that failed to meet award entitlements for overtime, public holidays and leave, and breached record-keeping and pay slip rules.
USA
On 16 December 2025, the US Department of Labor cited commercial bakery New Horizons and proposed penalties of over US$394,000 for three repeat and nine serious safety violations. The investigation found that the employer allegedly exposed workers to hazards, including chemical exposure, unguarded machinery and pinch-point risks, largely due to failures in lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding and worker training.
On 15 December 2025, automotive service provider Mavis Tire Supply agreed to pay US$303,758 to settle a religious discrimination filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC alleged that the company refused to hire a Jewish applicant for a managerial role after he requested a religious accommodation and later withdrew an offer for a lower position, violating the Civil Rights Act 1964.
On 15 December 2025, the US Department of State expanded mandatory online presence reviews to include all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents. Earlier this month, the agency directed applicants to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to public, so it may “use the available information in visa screening to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the US”.