Conducting Layoffs in China & Europe

May 7, 2026

What looks like a routine workforce reduction in one country can quickly trigger regulatory landmines in another.

In China, a misstep in a mass layoff can stall your entire operation. In Europe, even a small Reduction in Force (RIF) requires a level of process, documentation, and justification that surprises even seasoned global employers.


This program cuts through the complexity.


Bringing together on-the-ground experts from China, France, Germany, Hungary, and Italy, we explore what actually happens when global workforce strategy collides with local law—and how sophisticated employers successfully navigate these challenges.


We begin with China, outlining the legal basis, thresholds, and key stages of mass layoffs, including government scrutiny and compliance requirements. From there, we turn to Europe, where local experts break down country-specific rules on how to effectively conduct layoffs and redundancies.

Listeners will gain practical insight into:


  • How mass layoffs really work in China—from legal thresholds to procedural requirements
  • What employers must do in Europe to ensure layoff decisions are implemented smoothly with the least amount of risk of liability
  • The hidden costs, timelines, and risks that can derail cross-border workforce actions
  • Practical strategies for foreign-invested enterprises operating in China
  • Key considerations for companies entering or expanding in European markets


This isn’t academic—it’s operational. Whether you're advising the business or executing workforce strategy across borders, this program provides the clarity needed to act decisively and avoid costly missteps.


Ideal for General Counsel and CHROs managing international operations.


This program is the first session in our Layoff Series.


Register below to be automatically taken to our on-demand video.

Recent Programming

By Allissa Delhagen • October 12, 2026
116: In this APAC AI Vlog, Jamie Goh ( Shearn Delamore & Co. / Malaysia) surveys AI legal issues for Malaysian employers in October 2026 — from the AI Nation 2030 agenda and human accountability for AI-assisted employment decisions to limits on employee monitoring and data protection under the amended PDPA — and shares three takeaways for adopting AI at work. Explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence across the Asia-Pacific region. This vlog is part of a series highlighting AI developments, experiences, and conversations shaping the region — bringing local voices and insights into the wider global AI dialogue. Learn more and register for these complimentary webinars, podcasts, and vlogs: https://webinars.ela.law
By Allissa Delhagen • October 8, 2026
Angola has replaced its 2013 gender equality framework with a new National Policy for Gender Equality and Equity, approved by Presidential Decree No. 157/26 and in force since 1 September 2026. Listen in as we explain what the policy says, who it binds, and what employers in Angola should be doing now. Host: Nuno Gouveia ( email ) (Miranda Alliance) Guest Speaker: Nádia Ferreira ( email ) (Miranda Alliance) Support the show  Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.
By Allissa Delhagen • October 7, 2026
115: In this APAC AI Vlog, Bernie Ng ( Deacons / Hong Kong) surveys AI legal issues for Hong Kong employers — from rapid workplace AI adoption and the guidelines-based regime under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and the Ethical AI Framework to the government's new AI risk governance strategy and the open question of deepfake legislation — and shares four practical tips for managing AI risk at work. Explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence across the Asia-Pacific region. This vlog is part of a series highlighting AI developments, experiences, and conversations shaping the region — bringing local voices and insights into the wider global AI dialogue. Learn more and register for these complimentary webinars, podcasts, and vlogs: https://webinars.ela.law
By Allissa Delhagen • October 1, 2026
On this episode we unpack the EEOC's newly adopted Strategic Plan for FY 2026–2030 and the National Enforcement Plan for FY 2025–2029. Listen in as we explain the shift away from monetary benchmarks toward "targeted equitable relief," the new 10-person definition of systemic investigations, and the 90% litigation success goal - plus 15-day position statement deadlines, the retreat from disparate-impact litigation, and the new priorities, from DEI-related practices and religious liberty to protecting American workers. The episode closes with concrete steps for employers: privileged legal audits of DEI, recruiting, and hiring practices, and federal-contractor certifications under Executive Orders 14173 and 14398. Host: Tara Stingley ( email ) ( Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, LLP ) Guest Speaker: Nita Beecher ( email ) ( Fortney Scott, LLC / District of Columbia) Support the show  Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

Join Our Weekly Emails

Get the latest employment law insights delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday at 4pm EST.

Subscribe to Our Weekly Emails

Get the latest employment law insights delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday at 4pm EST.