Employment

The EU promotes fair working conditions and non-discrimination, while addressing employers' needs and stimulating economic growth.

It supports initiatives on key areas such as fair pay, social protection, and work-life balance, thus promoting a healthier workforce.

Fair employment conditions

To protect workers' well-being, the European pillar of social rights promotes fair working conditions across the EU, including health and safety at work, transparent employment terms, and adequate wages.

Health and safety in the workplace

EU rules limit harmful substances in the workplace to protect workers from risks related to exposure to dangerous substances - such as carcinogens, mutagens, lead and asbestos - and to prevent deadly diseases.

These laws are regularly updated, adjusting exposure limits in line with the latest scientific findings and technical data.

Protecting workers: health and safety at work

Transparent working conditions

Employees must receive clear and timely information about their employment terms from the outset.

EU rules limit probationary periods to six months and require advance notice for workers with unpredictable or on-demand schedules.

Transparent predictable working conditions

Adequate minimum wages

Wage setting in EU member states takes place through different mechanisms, in particular through collective bargaining and – for the lowest wages – by national legislation fixing minimum wages.

EU rules promote an adequate level of minimum wages, together with minimum wage updates every two years and collective bargaining on wage setting.

Adequate minimum wages in the EU

A path to equal pay

To help close the gender gap, the pay transparency law requires employers to be transparent about pay levels, ensuring equal pay for equal work between women and men and empowering workers to address unfair wage differences.

More rights for platform workers

The EU provides for easier access to decisions clarifying the employment status of platform workers, helping them access the labour rights and social protection they're entitled to, such as sick pay and unemployment benefits.

It also protects them from excessive control by automated monitoring and decision-making systems employed by such platforms.

Work-life balance for parents and caregivers

The EU’s work-life balance rules enhance the rights of parents and carers through measures that help them develop their careers and family life, such as:

Paternity leave

A minimum of 10 days' paid leave for fathers or second parents around the time of the birth, with compensation amounting to at least the level of sick pay.

Leave for carers

Five days of leave per year for workers caring for relatives with serious medical needs.

Parental leave

At least four months of parental leave per parent, including two months that are paid and non-transferable. The level of payment is to be set by member states.

Flexible working arrangements

Reduced hours, flexible schedules and remote work options for parents and carers of children up to eight years old.

Work life balance directive

Coordinated social security systems

EU rules on social security coordination ensure that individuals relocating to a different EU country can access benefits such as sickness, maternity, unemployment and family support benefits, regardless of where they live.