Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
As announced on 15 October 2025, the German subsidiary of the European clothing and non-food chain Pepco, is insolvent and is now closing 28 out of 64 stores in Germany by January 2026. 165 employees are affected and will be laid off.
Pepco Germany filed for insolvency in July 2025. The company is to be restructured through protective shield proceedings. The chain primarily sells clothing but also toys and decorative items. Pepco Germany employs 500 people in Germany. Across Europe, Pepco operates over 3,000 stores and employs approximately 30,000 people.
Eurofound (2025), Pepco, Bankruptcy in Germany, factsheet number 203498, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203498.