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Recent years have proved to be extremely dynamic in the field of labour law. In this parliamentary term, we have already seen two important amendments to the Labour Code, several changes to the rules on contributions to the Labour Code and changes to the unemployment benefit system. The Chamber of Deputies is currently debating the so-called flexible amendment to the Labour Code, which aims to increase the flexibility of labour relations and modernize the labour market, which should have a positive impact on both employees and employers.

Key changes in the Labour Code:

• Modification of the notice period: The existing two-month notice period will be maintained but will now start from the moment of delivery of the notice, rather than from the first day of the following month. It is also proposed that the notice period be reduced to one month for certain grounds for notice.
• Extension of the probationary period: The probationary period is to be extended to four months for ordinary staff and eight months for managers, thus allowing more time to assess performance.
• Job guarantee during parental leave: Employers will be obliged to guarantee the same job after the return from parental leave until the child is two years old. During parental leave, employees will be able to earn additional income on an FTE/STP contracted for the same type of work.
• Employment of children: The amendment will allow students as young as 14 to work during the summer holidays, provided that the work is light work that does not endanger their health or moral development.
• Wages in other currencies: Employers will now be able to pay wages in different currencies if certain conditions are met. This may open new opportunities for employers who employ foreigners in the Czech Republic.
• Digitalization for delivery: The Labour Code introduces the possibility of delivering payroll notices via internal electronic systems, which will streamline communication between the employer and the employee.

At the moment we do not know when the new rules will apply. The original announced date of January 1st, 2025, is almost certainly to be postponed, but the government still expects the new rules to come into force soon. It is therefore an ideal time to study all the changes that have recently taken place in the Labour Code. If you are interested in learning more about the amendment to the Labour Code in the Czech Republic, the lecturer Jakub Tomšej will prepare a tailor-made training in English or German. Contact us by e-mail irena@AQE.cz or phone +420 773 669 994.