Hogan Lovells Employment Horizons report predicts a game-changing year for AI regulation, gig economy rights, and flexible working

Press releases | 13 February 2025

New York, London, 13 February 2025 — Hogan Lovells, a leading global law firm, has published its Employment Horizons for 2025, a comprehensive report that explores critical issues affecting employers worldwide. The report highlights emerging issues such as the regulation of AI and data privacy in the workplace, the evolving gig economy, flexible working rights, non-compete agreements, and more.

As governments and employers face rapidly changing legal landscapes, Employment Horizons provides in-depth insights into the latest regulatory developments, emerging challenges, and global trends in employment law.

Key issues addressed in the report include:

The challenge for employers to navigate AI, data privacy, and employment law, particularly given the dual compliance burden of the EU AI Act and GDPR.
The evolving gig economy, with new platform work laws in Singapore and Mexico, the UK Employment Rights Bill expected in 2025, and the EU’s 2026 deadline for national implementation of the Platform Work Directive.
The evolution of flexible working rights, including the right to disconnect, with changes underway in Spain, France, Mexico, and the UK.
The tightening regulation of non-compete agreements in certain regions, with bans or restrictions aimed at promoting competition and mobility.
The varying approaches to freedom of expression in the workplace, with significant legal differences between the EU and the US.
New regulatory frameworks emerging around mass dismissals and redundancies in the UK, Germany, and Spain.

“We are excited to launch Employment Horizons as a vital resource for employers around the world,” said Mike DeLarco, who recently assumed the role of Global Head of Employment at Hogan Lovells. “From AI regulation to gig economy rights, the challenges highlighted in this report are reshaping the future of work, and it provides essential guidance for businesses preparing for what’s next.”

“Our clients are increasingly looking for proactive insights into global employment trends,” added Ed Bowyer, recently appointed as Head of Employment Europe. “Our report offers a comprehensive overview to help employers anticipate legal changes, manage risks, and navigate an increasingly complex landscape, with developments ranging from flexible working rights to stricter non-compete regulations.”

To read the full report, please click here.