The European Union is scheduled to implement many new employment laws in 2022 that will impact employers and provide additional benefits to employees. Staying ahead of these changes can help prepare your employees for the changes and make sure your HR team is ready as the new laws are implemented. Here is what to look for in 2022:
Maternity Leave
The EU is introducing new directives on maternity and paternity leave in 2022. Women will have a minimum of 20 weeks paid leave, with the possibility to extend the leave to 22 weeks if they choose to do so. The minimum paternity leave has been extended to 2 weeks, but some countries within the EU offer additional paternity leave.
Annual Leave
The new annual leave minimum has been extended to 5 weeks of paid leave, up from 4 weeks last year. The new annual leave changes also extended the right to request flexible working arrangements for all employees, regardless of their employment status.
Sick Leave
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new minimum sick leave entitlement of 10 days per year. This is a significant increase from the current minimum of four days, and this new entitlement will apply to all employees in the EU, regardless of their contract type or length of service. The EU is also introducing a new right for employees to take paid leave to care for a sick family member.
Childcare Leave
The first change relates to the amount of time that employees can take off for childcare. In the past, the limit was 4 weeks, but the new limit will increase to 6 weeks in 2022. The second change is that the age limit for childcare leave is being increased from 3 to 5 years old. This means that employees will be able to take leave for longer periods of time. The third change is that the definition of “child” is being broadened to include step-children, adopted children, and foster children.
Time Off for Dependents
Currently, employees in the EU are entitled to 4 weeks of leave per year for dependents. The new change for 2022 will provide employees with 6 weeks of leave for dependents. There will also be an increase in the number of times employees are entitled to take off for dependents.
Holiday Pay
The EU is set to introduce a new directive on holiday pay that will give all employees the right to four weeks of paid leave. This directive is in addition to the existing rights to unpaid leave and flexible working arrangements. The change will also extend the right to request flexible working arrangements for all employees, regardless of their employment status.
If you have employees in the EU, it’s important to stay informed of upcoming labor law changes that will impact your employees. If you need help with employment law compliance or have questions about expanding into a new country, visit Global People Strategist to learn more about global labor law, global HR compliance, and global expansion services.