8:15 - 9:00 – Registration and welcome coffee

9:00 - 9:15 – Welcome remarks 

9:15 - 10:30 – Session 1: Competition law: The future of non-competes

Competition agencies on both sides of the Atlantic have launched a war on no-poaching agreements, wage fixing, and illegal information sharing. This session will consider the interplay between employment and competition law, the future of non-competes, collective bargaining trends, and how to respond to dawn raids and antitrust investigations.

10:30 - 11:00 – Coffee break

11:00 - 12:15 – Session 2: Data protection: Big Brother dangers

From offices to factories to remote workers, data analysis is increasingly being used to performance manage the workforce. Despite its potential benefits, this session will consider how algorithmic decision-making presents a risk to employers; how updates to data protection and privacy rules impact on managing the workforce; the rise of data subject access requests as a litigation tactic; and how organisations can best manage data in internal investigations.

12:15 – 1:45 – Networking Lunch   

1:45 - 2:15 – In conversation with…

A fireside chat with a leading in-house counsel to examine the opportunities and challenges of key cross-border trends impacting their multinational business.

2:15 - 3:30 – Session 3: Corporate law: A seat at the table

Using a fictional case study, this panel will be advising a company board on a merger/acquisition facing several complex issues. Panellists will consider the pros and cons of an Employer of Record arrangement within the target business; provide advice on early interactions with works councils and trade unions; how to retain and incentivise key talent; and undertaking due diligence for group ESG targets.

3:30 - 4:00 – Coffee break

4:00 - 5:15 – Session 4: Disputes: European trends

From industrial action and equal pay claims to sexual harassment allegations, health and safety violations to white-collar crime, this panel will consider the key disputes trends impacting employers across Europe. Experts will consider the various risks to well-known brands, effective litigation strategies, and the current scope of legal privilege.

5.15 – 5.30 – Closing remarks

5:30 – Close and networking drinks reception