Labour Code: What Has Changed Since June 2025?

As of 1^st June 2025, a flexible amendment to the Labour Code has come into force, introducing significant changes for both employees and employers. The new rules aim to improve working conditions, strengthen employee protections, and support a better work–life balance.

Here’s a summary of the key changes that may affect you:

Parents and return to work

• Working under an agreement during parental leave:  During parental leave, you can now work under the agreement to perform work (DPČ) or the agreement to do a job (DPP) with the same employer and in your original position.
• Guaranteed return to your original position: If you return from parental leave before your child’s second birthday, you are entitled to return to the same position you held before.

Notice period and probationary period

• The notice period now begins at the moment of the notice delivery, not from the following month.
• A one-month notice period now also applies in cases of misconduct or failure to meet qualification requirements.
• The probationary period has been extended to up to 4 months for regular employees and 8 months for managers.

Health reasons and severance pay

If you are no longer able to perform your job for health reasons, you are now entitled to a one-time compensation payment instead of traditional severance pay.

Part-time jobs for minors

Minors aged 14 and over can now take on light work during the summer holidays, provided they undergo a medical examination.

Paid leave extension

• Bereavement leave: Now granted in full days and without need to provide proof.
• Job search leave: When giving notice, you are entitled to paid leave to look for a new job.
• Wedding leave: Right to paid leave on the day of the wedding ceremony.
• Leave to accompany a close relative: Employees are now entitled to time off work when accompanying a close relative to school or a medical appointment.
• New work obstacles: You are now entitled to time off if you are unable to attend work due to, for example, public transport delays.

Unemployment benefits

• Increased support: Up to 80 % of your previous earnings, with a maximum of CZK 36,086 per month.
• Improved conditions: Also available for people over 52, applicants with no prior income, or during retraining.
• Changes to benefit duration and standardization of benefit amounts regardless of why your employment ended.

A more detailed overview of the changes, including frequently asked questions (in Czech), is available on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.