Us department of labor laws

Germany on Wednesday took a step towards forcing companies to take responsibility for any labor or environmental abuses in their global supply chain. A new law (Lieferkettengesetz in German) allows for hefty fines starting at several hundred thousand euros if their contractors abroad are found to breach human rights or environmental rules. The fines go up to two percent of the company's annual revenues if they exceed 400 million euros ($484 million). The companies are held responsible for every step of the way: from the raw materials to the finished product. "This law protects workers from exploitation across sprawling supply chains and protects human rights across the world," Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday, adding "In future, it will be clear that 'Made in Germany' also means respect for human rights." The SPD-run development and labor ministries initially wanted the law to also target smaller companies, but backed down in the face of strong opposition from the … [Read more...] about Germany to implement supply chain law against exploitation

Courtney Lawes warned clubmate Dan Biggar he is on the warpath as England rejected Sir Ian Botham’s claim that they are an unhappy camp. Lawes has been tasked with upping the physicality on Saturday in Wales where England must win to keep alive their Six Nations title hopes. Last night the Northampton forward spelled out his intention to “rattle” Welsh playmaker Biggar and ignite England’s tournament after a poor start. “My game is based on physicality and bringing that edge to the team,” said Lawes. “I am always pretty sore after games as I try to make good hits - and plenty of them. “Biggs is pretty tough to be fair, especially for a 10. But I caught him the last time we played and he said he felt it, which I was kind of chuffed about. “He is obviously a class player so if I can get some pressure on him I certainly will. I don’t think it will rattle him too much but I will try.” If Biggar was in any doubt of what is coming his way, his Saints employers kindly posted a … [Read more...] about Courtney Lawes on warpath as Saints prepare to collide in Wales-England showdown

Here are the key points from Chancellor Rishi Sunak's budget speech: • Economy expected to return to pre-COVID levels by the middle of next year, six months earlier than previously thought • GDP growth forecast for this year downgraded to 4% (from 5.5%) according to Office for Budget Responsibility • Unemployment expected to peak at 6.5% • Forecasts show government borrowing reaching £355bn in 2020/21, of 17% of the national income - the highest level since the Second World War. For 2021/22 it climbs to £234bn, 10.3% of GDP. • Debt is set to peak at 97.1% of GDP in 2023-24. • An additional £65bn in spending in response to coronavirus takes total fiscal support to £407bn • £1.6bn will go towards continuing the vaccine roll-out and improving future preparedness • Chancellor confirms furlough scheme will be extended until the end of September, with the government paying 80% of salary though employers will asked to put in 10% from July and 20% from August • Help for … [Read more...] about Budget 2021 key points: What was announced in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s speech?

A brain injury charity is hoping for a "cultural change" in how head injuries are treated in sport as MPs launch an inquiry into links with neurodegenerative disease. It comes amid claims the scope of the inquiry does not go far enough, "neglecting issues" at school and youth level. The sporting world also continues to learn of players and competitors who have been diagnosed with dementia , including members of the triumphant 1966 England World Cup football squad . In one study published in 2019, footballers were found to be three-and-a-half times more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease than people of a similar age. Peter McCabe, chief executive of the charity Headway, will appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee on 9 March to give evidence to the parliamentary inquiry into the link between sport and long-term brain injury. Advertisement He said: "Increased scrutiny from this influential cross-party group of … [Read more...] about Brain injury charity hopes for ‘cultural change’ as inquiry examines link between sport and dementia

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out an extra £65bn in COVID support for employees and businesses - but announced a freeze on income tax thresholds and a rise in corporation tax to help pay back the UK's rising debts. In his budget speech, Mr Sunak set out a three-part plan to "protect jobs and livelihoods of the British people". But he warned that "corrective action" would be needed to tackle the UK's rising debt, as he set out how the government was now committed to spending £407bn on coronavirus support with borrowing at levels last seen in the 1940s. Follow the budget live Budget 2021: All the key points Among his key measures, the chancellor announced: Advertisement an extension to the furlough scheme until the end of September and more support for the self-employed the £20-a-week uplift in Universal Credit will continue for another six months the rate of corporation tax will rise to 25% in 2023, but with protections for … [Read more...] about Budget 2021: Rise in corporation tax and freeze on thresholds as Rishi Sunak tries to recover COVID debt