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Integrating ESG in the Blue Economy and Emerging Risks in Maritime Transport

The blue economy promotes sustainable ocean use for economic growth while protecting ecosystems.
As it expands, integrating ESG principles is vital—especially for maritime and insurance sectors, where it’s a legal and strategic priority.
Key focus areas include workforce training in green technologies and ensuring safe, fair, and supportive working conditions, aligning with ESG goals and boosting employee retention.

Temporary Agency Work via Platforms: Even Private Households Can Be Considered Hirers

Organisations that hire flexible workers through digital platforms – such as platform companies, staffing agencies, HR professionals and clients – need to stay alert. The ruling in the Helpling case shows that these platforms don’t automatically fall outside of employment law. Even when working with freelancers or self-employed workers, there’s still a chance they may be classified as employees or temporary workers.

Code of Conduct Against Inappropriate Behaviour in the Workplace: New Legislation Coming

Many employees still find it difficult to report inappropriate behaviour, either because they’re unsure if it’s serious enough or because they don’t know where to turn. Employers also sometimes struggle to draw the line. A clear code of conduct can help by defining in advance what constitutes inappropriate behaviour within the organization, preventing misunderstandings, and allowing for quicker intervention when necessary.

Temporary agency work should not become a loophole to avoid permanent contracts

The question of whether a temporary worker can work for thirteen years with the same client company without ever being offered a permanent contract is currently before the Dutch Supreme Court. This is the first time that the highest court in the Netherlands has addressed the limits of long-term outsourcing in the context of the European Temporary Agency Work Directive. On March 21, 2025, Advocate General De Bock provided her opinion, stating that the argument of a ‘flexible workforce’ is not sufficient to justify thirteen years of temporary work. According to her, this constitutes an abuse of the temporary staffing arrangement. She strongly criticized the court that previously ruled that long-term outsourcing was acceptable.

Rethinking Work Time: Legal Transformation in The Netherlands

wondering whether everything is all right

Chambers and Partners never misses out on thought leadership content from legal experts and the key stories driving the legal profession forward. In their latest Expert Focus publication ACG International’s Managing Partner, Mrs. Edith Nordmann examined the legal framework, key judgements, and their implications on the definition of ‘work time” within Dutch labour law. To […]

The Legal 500 Country Comparative guide on employment and labour law

The Legal 500 Country Comparative Guide offers a roadmap through the complex legal landscape that impacts the daily operations and workplace rights. Understanding these laws is essential for navigating the challenges of the modern workplace, ensuring compliance, and fostering a harmonious work environment.

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