Global Labor Law Weekly — Week 30

July 20 – July 26, 2026

This week's global labor law roundup covers major developments across the UK and United States. Key highlights include the UK Employment Rights Act 2025 workplace harassment compliance guidance, Philadelphia's landmark workplace protections for menstruation and menopause, competing federal AI legislative proposals, and the FTC's proposed AI accuracy policy statement.

Europe

1.1 [UK] UK: Employment Rights Act 2025 — Workplace Harassment Overhaul

On July 20, international law firm BCLP published a detailed analysis of four key workplace harassment reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025, set to take effect October 2026. Described as the most significant shift in UK harassment law since the Equality Act 2010, the reforms include: (1) an enhanced employer duty to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment (up from "reasonable steps"); (2) new employer liability for third-party harassment across all protected characteristics; (3) restrictions on NDAs preventing harassment disclosure, requiring independent legal advice and a 14-day cooling-off period; and (4) sexual harassment added as a qualifying whistleblowing disclosure. Full analysis at BCLP — UK Employment Rights Act 2025.

Employers in retail, hospitality, financial services, and professional services face particularly heightened exposure under the new third-party harassment provisions. The government's consultation on NDA reforms closed in July 2026, with final regulations expected before October implementation.

Americas

2.1 [US] Philadelphia: Menstruation & Menopause Workplace Protections

Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to add menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause as protected categories under the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance (PFPO). Signed by Mayor Cherelle Parker as Bill No. 250849, the ordinance prohibits discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, effective January 1, 2027. Read the full analysis at Fisher Phillips — Philadelphia Workplace Protections.

This is part of a broader U.S. trend: Rhode Island became the first state to enact menopause workplace protections in 2025; Illinois law now requires health plan coverage for medically necessary menopause therapies; and California is considering AB 1940 to include perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause within the definition of "sex" under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

2.2 [US] Federal AI Legislation Gains Momentum

Federal AI legislation advanced significantly this week on two tracks. On July 20, President Trump met with Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to push for federal AI standards preempting state laws. Blackburn is drafting a package that incorporates federal AI rules with child safety (Kids Online Safety Act) and privacy measures. Fisher Phillips — AI Legislation Analysis.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) released the "Framework for America's AI Future," the most comprehensive federal AI legislative package introduced by either party, covering data centers, worker retraining, and national security. While the two parties pursue different visions, both believe legislation could pass this year.

2.3 [US] FTC Proposed AI Accuracy Policy Statement

On July 1, the Federal Trade Commission opened a public comment period (through July 31) on a proposed policy statement addressing AI accuracy. The statement argues that state laws requiring companies to alter "truthful outputs" of AI models may violate Section 5 of the FTC Act and could be impliedly preempted. This follows the President's December 2025 Executive Order targeting state AI laws. More at FTC — AI Accuracy Policy Statement.

2.4 [US] Visa Limits for International Student-Athletes

New restrictions on visa limits for international student-athletes were published this week, impacting university athletic departments' ability to recruit foreign talent. See Fisher Phillips — Student-Athlete Visa Analysis.

Employee Taxation Spotlight

3.1 [US] Pay Transparency & Equity Enforcement Continues

While no new state pay transparency laws were signed in Week 30, enforcement actions under existing laws in California, Colorado, New York, and Washington remain active. Employers should monitor Jackson Lewis Pay Equity Advisor for ongoing developments in this rapidly evolving area.

Trends Summary & Next Week Watch

Week 30 was notably active for employment law developments, particularly in the United States:

1. Philadelphia's landmark protections for menstruation and menopause signal an expanding scope of workplace protections. After Rhode Island's state-level lead and Philadelphia as the first major city, California's AB 1940 could further accelerate this trend nationally.

2. Federal AI legislation is advancing on bipartisan tracks with very different approaches. The outcome will significantly impact how employers use AI in hiring, promotion, and workplace decision-making.

3. UK Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms are approaching their October 2026 effective date. UK-based employers should begin compliance reviews of harassment policies, NDA practices, and whistleblowing procedures now.

Watch next week: California AB 1940 legislative progress; formal introduction of Blackburn's AI preemption bill; FTC AI accuracy policy comment period closing July 31; UK NDA reform consultation results.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Compliance decisions should be made with qualified legal counsel. Remoly provides global employment compliance information but assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.