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European Commission: Many member states are 'failing to implement' race Directive
In June 2007, the European Commission sent formal requests to 14 EU member states – including the UK – asking them to implement fully Directive 2000/43/EC on equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin.
International: Global agreement signed at Brunel
Brunel, a Netherlands-based recruitment and consultancy firm, has recently joined the growing number of multinational companies that have signed global agreements on workers' rights and corporate social responsibility.
Germany: Cost-cutting plan agreed at Deutsche Telekom
A settlement was reached in late June 2007 in a dispute over the transfer of staff to new service subsidiaries at Deutsche Telekom, following six weeks of industrial action by 15,000 staff. Although the settlement includes concessions from employees on some key employment terms, the effects of the restructuring have been cushioned for current staff.
Ireland: Row over potential charter 'opt-out'
Following the European Council summit on 21 and 22 June 2007, it emerged – to the consternation of trade unions – that the Irish government has reserved the right to follow the UK in "opting out" of future full, binding application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
Poland: Labour market opened to Belarus, Russia and Ukraine
From 20 July 2007, Polish employers are able to employ workers from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine without a work permit. The move aims to ease severe shortages of skilled labour in Poland.
Spain: Self-employed workers' statute adopted
A law setting out a "self-employed workers' statute" was published in the Spanish official bulletin in July 2007. It seeks to define self-employment clearly for the first time and sets out new rights and duties for Spain's 3.5 million self-employed workers, covering areas such as social security and health and safety.
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