Knit People

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a uniform standard for determining when multiple businesses share legal responsibility for a worker's wages and rights.

Companies using staffing agencies, contractors, or franchises should assess whether those arrangements create shared liability.

Details: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20260422

Australia's Capital Territory (ACT) has lowered its payroll tax-free threshold to AUD 1.75 million starting July 1, 2026, bringing more employers into payroll tax obligations.

🔍: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/business-taxes-and-levies/payroll-tax/about-payroll-tax

Portugal now requires employers to register new hires on the Segurança Social Direta portal before their contract start date.

Failure to do so triggers a backdated employment presumption that can increase contributions owed.

🔍: https://www.seg-social.pt/ptss/pssd/documento/cmlzhyhmd0011gw2ywrzskhcy?dswid=4554

Romania has changed its sick leave rules. Employees no longer get paid on day 1, with employers only covering days 2 through 6. The government picks up the cost from day 7 onward.

This applies to all medical certificates issued between February 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.

⚖️: https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocumentAfis/306237

Oman is extending sick leave and special leave benefits to expatriate workers starting July 19, 2026, with employers covering the first 7 days at full pay before social security takes over on a sliding scale.

⚖️: https://www.spf.gov.om/en/insurance_programs/insurance-for-employment-security-scheme/

Australia is changing how employers pay superannuation. From July 1, 2026, contributions must be paid every payday and reach the employee's fund within 7 business days, or penalties apply.

More details: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/payday-super/about-payday-super

Singapore is raising the minimum qualifying salary for local employees from SGD 1,600 to SGD 1,800 starting July 1, 2026, with increased government wage support for employers through 2028.

🔍: https://cms.singaporebudget.gov.sg/assets/026b8364-31ef-4dc6-8293-9584c0d016c5

Singapore is raising the minimum salary thresholds for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass (SP) applications starting January 2027.

EP moves to SGD 6,000 (SGD 6,600 in financial services) and S Pass to SGD 3,600 (SGD 4,000 in financial services).

🔍: https://cms.singaporebudget.gov.sg/assets/95d5dffc-dc23-453d-b243-ad124e004e63

South Africa has raised its BCEA earnings threshold to ZAR 269,600.90 annually, expanding statutory protections like overtime pay and meal breaks to more employees.

🔍: https://labourguide.co.za/~documents/route%3A/download/4795

Switzerland is maintaining its quota for skilled workers and specialists from non-EU/EFTA countries at 8,500 permits: 4,500 B permits (long-term) and 4,000 L permits (short-term).

Details: https://www.admin.ch/fr/newnsb/7HwBjdg5HpBA