Belgium
Several countries changed their minimum wage rates on 1 July 2026 including Argentina, Australia, Netherlands and Romania. In the US, there were a number of minimum wage increases.
In Ireland, from 29 June 2026, employees may seek to continue working beyond a contractual retirement age below the state pension age, with employers only able to refuse on objectively justified grounds.
Wide-ranging labour market flexibility measures took effect from 1 June 2026 and enhanced leave rights for close caregivers took effect from 1 July 2026, alongside other upcoming changes, including a reduced notice period during the first six months of service.
Statutory notice entitlement for employees who start on or after 1 June 2026 stops increasing once it reaches 52 weeks after 17 years’ service.
From 1 June 2026, pay indexation is capped for higher earners above €4,000 per month, reducing employer costs but requiring half of the savings to be paid into the social security system.
Changes have been made to working time and leave rules, including night work, works rules, the minimum hours threshold for part-time work and close caregiver leave.
As of June 2026, only a small number of member states have fully transposed the EU Pay Transparency Directive. The pay reporting obligation will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with larger employers and gradually extending to those with more than 100 employees.
The table has been updated to reflect key 2026 developments in statutory annual leave across jurisdictions.
Updated to include additional information on temporary employment agency work in Argentina and Netherlands.
In May 2026, Turkey doubled the length of paternity leave from five to 10 days. In France, for children born on or after 1 January 2026, each parent (including mothers) is entitled to two months of supplementary birth leave, available from 1 July 2026.
HR practices and employment law in Belgium.