Conference programme

This panel will explore the legal implications of remote work, focusing on remote work policies, data privacy concerns and cybersecurity measures. As remote work continues to grow, understanding the legal and security implications is crucial for organisations aiming to balance flexibility, compliance and protection in the digital age. Experts will address the challenges that organisations and HR managers face in designing compliant remote work policies that align with international labour and employment laws. Additionally, legal considerations regarding data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, will be examined in relation to the remote workforce's handling of sensitive information. The session will also cover the evolving cybersecurity risks in remote work environments and strategies to mitigate these risks while ensuring compliance. Participants will gain valuable insights into balancing legal requirements with practical solutions and best practices in managing a decentralised, global work environment.

The discussion on this panel will address the complexities of managing a company's reputation amidst employee activism and public commentary, including Glassdoor reviews. The panellists will explore strategies for handling peer, market and media interest when it comes to sensitive matters like litigation and internal investigations. The session will offer insights on maintaining a positive employer brand while navigating legal and ethical challenges. Additionally, they will discuss the role of HR managers and labour lawyers in protecting both the organisation's reputation and employee rights during times of crisis or controversy. Finally, panellists will delve into best practices for balancing transparency with confidentiality in these situations.

In 2024, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes at some of the world’s largest companies began to unravel one by one. At the beginning of 2025, both Meta and Amazon announced that they too would scale back their DEI programmes. But, in what is perceived by many as a further assault on the DEI initiative, Meta went further, by introducing new hate speech guidelines as part of a broader shift in its moderation policies. In Meta’s own words ‘We’re getting rid of a number of restrictions on topics like immigration, gender identity and gender that are the subject of frequent political discourse and debate’, thereby freeing billions of social media users to post a wide array of derogatory remarks on subjects such as race, nationality, ethnic groups, sexual orientation and gender identity. It seems that the term ‘DEI’ has become ‘charged’, with many perceiving it as an approval of ‘preferential treatment for certain groups over others’. Others maintain that DEI compliance has been reduced to a checkbox exercise, lacking a genuine commitment to foster real equity in the workplace. So, what is the future for DEI? Together with a panel of experts, we will attempt to explore and hopefully answer some of these questions, including the role of lawyers in navigating this evolving DEI landscape.

This panel will provide an overview of the latest trends in employment law across North Africa, highlighting key legal reforms and shifts in labour regulations. Experts will explore the evolving landscape of workers' rights, employer obligations and the impact of regional economic changes on employment practices. The discussion will also cover the challenges and opportunities for multinational companies operating in North African countries, with a focus on compliance, dispute resolution and workforce management. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating legal complexities and maintaining fair labour practices in this dynamic region. Lastly, the panel will examine the influence of international labour standards and their integration into national laws in North African countries.

This panel discussion will explore the legal frameworks surrounding dismissal practices, focusing on how different jurisdictions regulate termination procedures. Experts will examine the principles of procedural fairness, ensuring that dismissals are conducted in a transparent and just manner. The conversation will also cover best practices for providing equitable severance packages, addressing both legal obligations and ethical considerations. Attendees will gain insights into navigating complex legal environments while minimising potential risks for both employers and employees. Finally, the panel will highlight recent trends and developments in dismissal laws that HR managers and employment lawyers should be aware of globally.

We have seen it all... George Floyd, the US Supreme Court abortion decision, 7 October 2023 and Israel's reaction, the Russia/Ukraine conflict, terrorist attacks by Islamists, deportation of immigrants, employee criticism of employer's business, attacks on transgender people, regression in women's rights – the list can go on and on and unfortunately gets longer and longer. In this panel, we will explore freedom of expression, its implications and its limits for both employers and employees.  This discussion will include global, legal and cultural perspectives on employer public expressions of views; employer imposition of those points of views on employees (and tolerance for difference); the rights and limits of employee freedom of expression in the workplace; rights and limits of employee expression on social media. What are best practices in different regions of the world? Is it possible to have a company-wide, global approach?

This panel discussion will focus on the complexities of international workforce mobility and the legal implications for cross-border employment. Experts will explore how varying immigration policies and employment regulations across different countries impact the management of a global workforce. The session will delve into the rights of migrant workers, addressing issues such as work permits, social security and anti-discrimination laws Attendees will gain insights into navigating the legal challenges of relocating employees, ensuring compliance with both home and host country laws. Additionally, the panel will examine strategies for minimising legal risks and optimising the mobility of talent in an increasingly globalised labour market.

The panellists will explore ethical challenges and best practices in labour law advocacy, emphasising the importance of integrity and confidentiality in client representation. Experts will address how to navigate complex ethical and legal dilemmas when providing advice, particularly when seeking the most effective and economic solutions for clients. The conversation will focus on balancing the interests of employers and employees while adhering to professional standards and legal obligations. Attendees will gain practical insights into maintaining ethical conduct in the face of pressure or conflicting interests, ensuring the highest level of service whilst observing legal or moral principles. In this context, the panel will discuss strategies for enabling trust and transparency in client relationships, essential components of successful legal practice in labour law.