You are on our United Kingdom site

International Employment Law

As businesses expand globally, employers must navigate complex, cross-border legal obligations. Our expertise ensures seamless compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Overview

Experience

Key Contacts

Insights

Overview

Today’s workforce is more global than ever. The rise of remote working, advancements in workplace technology, and the increasing use of Professional Employer Organisations (PEOs) and Employers of Record (EORs) have reshaped how businesses engage talent worldwide. At the same time, businesses continue to expand outside of their national borders to find new commercial opportunities and identify untapped talent. For many employers, international expansion presents significant legal and operational challenges. Organisations accustomed to domestic employment frameworks must now comply with multiple, often conflicting, regulatory regimes. From local employment contracts to global restructuring, cross-border litigation, and regulatory compliance, navigating international employment law requires a strategic, coordinated approach.

At Littler, we are uniquely positioned to support employers in managing complex international employment law challenges. As the world’s largest specialist employment law firm, we provide expert, seamless, and commercially focused advice. We help businesses anticipate risks, ensure compliance, and implement practical solutions in any jurisdiction.

Experience

With decades of experience advising some of the world’s largest businesses, we have the expertise, global reach, and commercial understanding to help employers anticipate, manage, and resolve even the most complex international employment challenges. Whether expanding into new markets, restructuring globally, or navigating cross-border legal risks, we are your trusted partner in international employment law.

Global Reach, Local Expertise
With more than 1,900 lawyers across 30 countries and over 100 offices, we provide expert legal support wherever you do business. In jurisdictions where we do not have a direct presence, we partner with leading local employment lawyers. This ensures that you receive the same high-quality, commercially focused advice worldwide.

Managing Complex Multi-Jurisdictional Employment Projects
We advise and coordinate global employment projects for international businesses, including:

International compliance programmes to ensure businesses meet employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
Global policy review and handbook reviews.
Global reductions in force (RIFs) and international redundancy projects, providing strategic advice on employment terminations, severance obligations, and risk mitigation.
Cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and outsourcing, ensuring smooth transitions and legal compliance.
Major international team moves and complex employment litigation, safeguarding business continuity and minimising legal exposure.

Regulatory Compliance & Pay Equity
We have specific expertise in pay transparency and pay equity reporting. Our team is currently advising global businesses on compliance with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring they are prepared for its implementation across Europe.

Training & Strategic Advisory
We provide tailored training and legal updates for multinational employers, ensuring HR, legal, and leadership teams remain ahead of regulatory changes.

Through our global network, we deliver practical, commercially relevant insights that help businesses navigate international employment law with confidence.