Adjusted notice periods as from May 1st
On March 30th, the Act of March 26th regarding the strengthening of economic growth and social cohesion was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. This Act contains a multitude of changes in different fields among which the adjustment of the notice periods that are applicable when an employer terminates the employment agreement of an employee
Increase of purchasing power of employees for 2016 and 2017
We hereby inform you that the industrial partners have concluded a new sectoral agreement for Joint Committee (JC) 200 for the years 2016 and 2017. This JC replaces the previous JC 218 and is applicable to your firm in Belgium. After the index leap and the limited maximum margin for wage increase for 2014 and 2015 (see
Joint Committee no. 218 will become no. 200
On 1 April 2015, Joint Committee no. 218 will be converted into Joint Committee no. 200. All collective bargaining agreements in force within Joint Committee no. 218 will be transferred to the new joint committee as of 1 April 2015. The employers’ and employees’ rights and entitlements will thus not be affected. Employers belonging to Joint
Administrative cost charged for certain Belgian residence applications from 2 March 2015
The intention of the Government to apply charges for residence applications in order to cover the administrative costs was already present in the Program Act of 19 December 2014. On 16 February 2015, the Government approved a new Royal Decree, which becomes effective on 2 March 2015. Individuals who apply for Belgian residence will be charged an
Telework: The National Social Security Office brings its position into line with the tax authorities
In the Practice Note of 16 January 2014, the Belgian tax authorities announced that a monthly tax-free lump-sum of EUR 20 as a compensation for the business use of a privately owned computer and internet connection (i.e. a total of EUR 40 per month) could be granted under certain conditions. Where for a while a doubt
Social security authorities exempt vans from CO2 tax
The social security authorities have recently adopted a new position on CO2 contributions on company vehicles. Principles of the current regime When an employer provides an employee with a company vehicle which can be used for purposes other than those strictly professional (i.e. private use, commuting from home to the workplace and collective transport of
Unified statute for white and blue-collar workers
First legal step taken by the Council of Ministers During its meeting of 27 September 2013, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft act regarding the unified statute for white and blue-collar workers. This draft act constitutes a first important step in the legal enactment of the political agreement which was reached in the
Regulation (EC) no 883/2004 has become applicable to Croatia
Since 1 July 2013, Croatia is a member of the European Union. Accordingly, the provisions of Regulation (EC) no 883/2004 of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems have become applicable to Croatia. In addition, Regulations (EC) no 987/2009 (application regulation), no 1231/2010 (extension to third country nationals) and no 465/2012 (amendments)
