Italy: Termination of employment

Original author: Massimo Pallini
Updating author: Luciano Racchi

See the legal services provided by the author of International > Italy, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

• A minimum notice period must be given for the termination of employment contracts. (See Notice periods)
• During employment, employers must set aside an annual amount equivalent to around 13.5% of the employee's pay, to be paid to the employee on termination as severance pay. (See Severance pay)
• Employers can dismiss an employee only for a "just cause" or a "justifiable reason". (See Unfair dismissal - general)
• If an employee's job is no longer required due to a business decision, the employer may dismiss the employee on organisational grounds. (See Unfair dismissal - organisational grounds)
• Individual misconduct by employees that causes a breach of the employment contract justifies dismissal. (See Unfair dismissal - conduct-related grounds)
• There are various rules regarding dismissals on the ground of redundancy. (See Redundancy rights)
• Employees may be eligible to retire early. (See Retirement)