2022 has seen further case law on the issue of the potential conflict between expressions of gender-critical beliefs in the workplace and proponents of gender identity. There are currently four main cases in this sphere: Forstater v. CGD Europe; Mackereth v. DWP; Higgs v. Farmor’s School; and Bailey v. Garden Court Chambers and Stonewall. There have been decisions in all four cases during 2022.
On 11 December 2022, Law No. 2759-IX of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Preventing and Countering Mobbing (Hostile Environment)” dated 16 November 2022 came into effect. Among other things, the Law: (i) provides the definition of “mobbing”; (ii) introduces new grounds for dismissal of employees in connection with mobbing; and (iii) guarantees compensation of moral damages for employees who have suffered from mobbing.
In a somewhat surprise move, it appears EU Member States have managed to reach preliminary agreement on a minimum level of taxation for largest corporations, also known as the Pillar 2 Directive. The Committee of Permanent Representatives reached the required unanimous support on 12 December 2022. While it is being reported that Poland has reiterated its previous concerns, we do not expect Poland to use its veto this time. With Hungary lifting its veto, this development may mean that the EU will be the frontrunner in implementation of Pillar 2, requiring EU Member States to transpose the Pillar 2 Directive into domestic laws by the end of 2023.
The UK has introduced a sanctions regime designed to target criminal actors, gangs and their financiers whose actions are causing instability in Haiti, pursuant to The Haiti (Sanctions) Regulations 2022, which enters into force on 28 December 2022.
The H2Global Foundation announced on 8 December 2022 the launch by its wholly-owned subsidiary, HINT.CO GmbH, its first procurement procedure for the import of green ammonia into Europe. This procedure is intended to provide an innovative and efficient funding instrument, backed by EUR 900 million provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, with further funding planned for 2023. This is the first global tender procedure of its kind. The deadline for application is 7 February 2023.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled EU outlines proposals for 9th package of EU sanctions against Russia on 9 December 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled G7 Sets Price Cap for Russian Oil at USD 60 Per Barrel on 9 December 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Canada Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Regime: 33 Individuals and 6 Entities Targeted on 9 December 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
The government has published its response to the “Making flexible working the default” consultation that it ran last year, confirming that it will make the right to request flexible working a day one right.
Following the Treasury’s confirmation that it intends to introduce a new “regulatory gateway” for authorized firms approving financial promotions, the FCA has launched a consultation on proposals to operationalize this new gateway. Complementing a wider program of reform to the financial promotions regime, the proposals will affect both authorized firms approving financial promotions as well as unauthorized firms communicating approved financial promotions.