Canada

Minimum Wage

Effective 1 October 2025, Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.50 per hour from $15.70 per hour.

Ireland

Employer Contribution Update

Effective 1 October 2025, Ireland's Pay-Related Social Insurance System (PRSI) employer contribution has increased from 11.15% to 11.25%.

Japan

Parental Leave Amendments

Effective 1 October 2025, amendments to Japan’s childcare and parental leave law will require employers to adopt two or more of five flexible work options for employees raising children under three years old. These options include:

1. Changing starting times of work;

2. Allowing telework;

3. Establishing and operating childcare facilities;

4. Granting leave to support balancing childcare and work; and

5. Providing shortened working hours.

The amendment expands eligibility and aims to promote more flexible working arrangements during early childcare periods.

Pakistan

Meal Allowance

Effective 1 October, 2025. the minimum monthly wage will increase from PKR 37,000 to PKR 40,000, which impacts the calculation of Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) contributions.

As a result, the employee contribution will now be 1% of the minimum wage, and the employer contribution will be 5% of the minimum wage.

Romania

Effective 1 October 2025, a new disability contribution for employers has been implemented in Romania. The amount is based on the number of employees employed by a company. It adds a minimal monthly cost for employers.

Slovokia

Meal Allowance

Effective 01 December 2025, the meal allowance rates in Slovakia will increase to 9.30 EUR (5–12 hours), 13.80 EUR (12–18 hours), and 20.60 EUR (over 18 hours).

In connection with these changes, the amounts of meal allowances provided by employers will also be adjusted. December 2025 payroll will reflect the updated minimum employer contribution of 3.84 EUR.

Switzerland

Short-Term Workers Compensation

Effective 1 November 2025, the Swiss Federal Council extended the maximum period for receiving short-time work compensation (KAE) from 18 months to 24 months. This is valid until 31 July 2026.

Taiwan

Minimum Wage

Effective 1 January 2026, the monthly minimum wage in Taiwan will increase to NT $29,500 and the hourly minimum wage to NT $196.

Maternity Leave

Effective 7 December 2025, Thailand has expanded its statutory family-related leave benefits, increasing maternity leave from 98 to 120 days, with 60 days paid at full wages by the employer and the remaining 60 days covered by Social Security.

Mothers are additionally entitled to 15 working days of infant-care leave at 50% pay when the newborn has health complications. Spouses are now granted 15 working days of fully paid parental/spousal leave, usable within 90 days before or after childbirth.