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FREE DOWNLOAD: EMEA WORKFORCE RISK REPORT | Q1 2026

The workforce regulatory changes that took effect in Q1 2026 - and what you need to do now

In a volatile, fast-moving regulatory landscape, the biggest risk isn’t getting something wrong – it’s not knowing you’ve already got it wrong.

Our Workforce Risk Report gives you a clear view of what’s changing, where you’re exposed, and what to do next.

What's inside the report:

  • Belgium– New Flanders single-permit framework in force from 1 January
  • Denmark – Updated pay-limit salary thresholds for 2026 work permit routes
  • France – Increased financial guarantee requirements for temporary work agencies
  • Germany – Minimum wage rises to €13.90/hr; new Germany-Netherlands remote work tax rule
  • Ireland – Auto-enrolment pension system (MyFutureFund) launched 1 January
  • Italy – 2026-2028 foreign worker quota framework now operational
  • Netherlands – New CLA for temporary agency workers; DBA false self-employment enforcement
  • Poland – Digital-only work permit process fully embedded
  • Spain – New statutory minimum wage from 1 January 2026
  • Switzerland – France-Switzerland cross-border telework tax framework now applies
  • UAE – Emirati minimum wage increased to AED 6,000/month; new Emiratisation targets
  • United Kingdom – Employment Rights Act implementation begins February 2026
  • Plus: Q2 2026 horizon scanning across all 14 jurisdictions

INTRODUCING:

The EMEA Workforce Risk Report: Your country-by-country view of what’s changed, what’s coming, and where you’re exposed

No guesswork. No generic summaries.

The Workforce Risk Report (Q1 2026) gives you a clear, structured view of regulatory risk across your global workforce – so you can act before it becomes a problem.

Stop guessing your compliance risk

Across EMEA and beyond, workforce regulation is no longer stable.

It’s volatile.
It’s fragmented.
And it’s accelerating.

  • UK employment reforms are reshaping worker rights
  • The Netherlands is introducing 6 major changes in 3 years
  • Cross-border work is under tighter scrutiny
  • AI regulation is introducing entirely new compliance layers

This isn’t one change.
It’s convergence.

And that’s where the risk compounds.

"Most organisations don’t fail because they ignore risk.They fail because they didn’t see it coming."

– Connor Heaney

What “not knowing” actually costs you

If you missed the 1 January 2026 changes, you may already be:

  • Underpaying workers in Germany – the minimum wage rose to €13.90/hr. Back-pay liability applies from day one.
  • Non-compliant in Ireland – auto-enrolment went live. Missed payroll deductions create regulatory exposure.
  • Exposed on agency worker pay in the Netherlands – the new CLA requires reassessment of assignment terms.
  • At risk on UK contracts – the Employment Rights Act began phased implementation from 18 February 2026.

By the time these show up in an audit – it’s already too late.

Compliance isn’t just protection anymore. It’s a competitive advantage.

The organisations using this report aren’t just reducing risk. They’re:

Moving into new EMEA markets ahead of competitors still reacting to Q1 changes
Planning for Q2 before it arrives - platform work legislation in Denmark, flexible worker reforms in the Netherlands, and umbrella company regulation in the UK are all in motion
Building workforce models that hold up when regulators come knocking - not just when audits are announced
34
years of operation
Services to
100+
countries
Programs from
30 to 3,000
workers
98%
client retention rate
Saving costs from
6-14%
99%
payroll accuracy

If you’re responsible for workforce risk - this is for you

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Procurement:
Control supplier risk, not just cost – and avoid hidden liabilities across your contingent workforce

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HR:
Stay ahead of employment law changes before they impact contracts, classifications, and policies

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Finance:
Prevent unexpected fines, back pay, and compliance costs from hitting your bottom line

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Legal & Compliance:
Identify exposure early and stay ahead of fast-moving, multi-country regulatory changes

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Talent Acquisition:
Hire across borders with confidence – without triggering compliance issues you didn’t see comi

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Leadership / Board:
Get a clear view of workforce risk across markets – before it becomes a strategic problem

Most teams think they’re covered. That’s usually where the risk sits.

The question isn’t “Do we have risk?”

It’s: “Do we know where it is – before it costs us?”

FAQ's

What employment law changes happened in EMEA in Q1 2026?

Multiple changes took effect on 1 January 2026 across EMEA, including Germany’s minimum wage increase to €13.90/hr, Ireland’s auto-enrolment pension launch, a new CLA for temporary agency workers in the Netherlands, Spain’s updated statutory minimum wage, and the UAE’s Emirati minimum wage rising to AED 6,000/month. The UK’s Employment Rights Act began phased implementation from February 2026.

What is the Employment Rights Act 2025 and when does it take effect?

The UK Employment Rights Act 2025 began its phased rollout from February 2026, with 18 February 2026 confirmed as an initial commencement date for specific provisions. Employers need to update policies, contracts, and workforce practices as provisions come into force.

What are the Emiratisation targets for 2026?

New semi-annual Emiratisation targets apply from 1 January 2026, with the next milestone set for June 2026. The Emirati minimum wage in the private sector also increased to AED 6,000/month from the same date.

Who is the EMEA Workforce Risk Report for?

It’s designed for HR, Legal, Compliance, Procurement, Finance, and Leadership teams responsible for managing contingent or cross-border workforces across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Is the report free?

Yes – download it by submitting your details above.

Not sure where to start?

Our team works with organisations across EMEA to translate regulatory change into practical workforce action.

If you’ve read the report and want to talk through your specific exposure – we’re here.