More protection due to implementation of directives

By the beginning of August 2022, Member States had to transpose the 2019 Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions into their own national law. This directive is intended to provide even better protection for around 180 million European workers in the world of work.

More transparency

Specific changes in terms of working conditions include defined work assignments and working hours. These must be clearly communicated by the employer. In addition, there is a right to obtain essential information of the employment contract, the place of work and remuneration. This is another important step towards a strong social Europe and contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights initiated by the European Commission in 2017.

Adaptations to the changed world of work

In order to respond to the current world of work with the new forms and models of work, employees are given more right to detailed information about their working conditions. Because of the many different needs, the policy states that information about the employment contract, the length of the probationary period, and work scheduling is required. In addition, employers must offer employees free training on the tasks to be performed.

Atypical forms of employment are taken into account

In the case of precarious or atypical employment, the directive has a positive impact by providing information on employment conditions. This improves the protection of workers, for example with the right to better predictability of their working hours, as in the case of delivery service and shift work. On the positive side for both employees and employers, the directive has the effect of increasing flexibility in atypical employment.

Employers benefit from the directive by adapting occupational health and safety to the latest developments in the labour markets. Homeoffice regulations, work-life balance, a shortage of skilled workers and demographic change are just a few of the many challenges facing the labour market. The directive proposes reduction in administrative difficulties. A level playing field should apply to all employers in the EU in order to strengthen the single market and competition.

Social security is also being strengthened

The directive also stipulates that any information on the identity of the social security institutions receiving the social contributions must be transparent. Benefits in the event of illness, occupational accidents and diseases, as well as benefits in old age, disability, for surviving dependants and early retirement must be passed on to employees. Ideally, information should also be provided about supplementary pension schemes in the course of social security coverage.

Monitoring the implementation

The next step will be for the European Commission to check whether the national measures notified by each Member State are applicable and actually comply with the directive.