Italy: government backtracks on extension to employment layoff freeze

Given protestation from the employers' organizations and bubbling tensions amid the majority, the Draghi government has reversed a measure that was introduced at the last minute in the "Sostegni Bis" decree (c.f. article No. 12536), and that aimed to extend the redundancy freeze by two months (30 June to 28 August) for companies benefiting from access to technical and partial unemployment measures until June. Published on 02 June, the European Commission’s spring recommendations are critical of Italy’s layoff-ban, considering the measure to be ineffective and providing employees on permanent employment contracts additional protection as compared to precarious workers.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Rules ending the layoff freeze still complex. As provided for in the Sostegni decree of March (c.f. article No. 12427), the freeze on layoffs will end on:

  • 01 July for companies benefiting from the normal Cassa Integrazione (technical and partial unemployment financed by social security contributions), used primarily in the industry and agriculture sectors,
  • 01 November 1 for companies benefiting from the Cassa Integrazione in deroga – exceptional technical and partial unemployment linked to Cov
…
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Bulgaria: new minimum wage-setting mechanism implemented under European directive
The news. On 25 September, Bulgarian MPs adopted on second reading amendments to the Labour Code setting up a new mechanism for determining the minimum wage. This will now take into account...
28 September 2026
Austria: metallurgy confirms its 2025‑2026 crisis agreement with a moderate pay rise
The news. The social partners in the Austrian metallurgy sector signed a two-year crisis agreement in 2025. This provided for a mid-term review of the situation. This was carried out on 22...
28 September 2026
France: Bayer puts female health and inclusive parenthood at the centre of its equality policy
In a new agreement on gender equality highlighted by mind RH, Bayer commits to strengthening its parenthood policy. Furthermore, the company is anticipating pay transparency and introducing...
25 September 2026
UK: Government introduces unpaid bereavement leave following a miscarriage
The news. On 22 September, the UK government confirmed the introduction of up to two weeks of unpaid leave in the event of pregnancy loss before the 24th week, in its response to the open...
25 September 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: Cabinet adopts pay transparency bill
After several months of delay beyond the European deadline of 7 June 2026, French Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou finally presented the bill transposing the Pay Transparency Directive to the...
10 September 2026
2
Germany: IG Metall demands 5% pay rise amid severe pressure
Despite the crisis hitting the automotive industry, the leadership of the German trade union IG Metall announced on Wednesday 23 September that it would be asking for a 5% pay increase as well as...
23 September 2026
3
Italy: Crédit Agricole introduces a handbook on managerial behaviour
The document adopted in mid-July by Crédit Agricole Italia and the main banking trade unions goes beyond the proper use of meetings and emails. This six-point handbook aims to foster constructive...
3 September 2026
4
Slovakia: 6% increase in the minimum wage from 1 January 2027
The news. As Slovakia’s social partners failed to reach an agreement during tripartite negotiations, Labour Minister Erik Tomas has decided to increase the minimum wage by 6% from 1 January...
1 September 2026
5
Spain: government revisits its draft decree on salary transparency
The Spanish Ministry of Labour has opened a consultation on the transposition of the European directive on salary transparency and the reduction of the gender pay gap. This decision follows a...
8 September 2026
6
EU: Commission proposes a list of worker-related criteria for public procurement
The news. On 9 September, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation aimed at unifying European public procurement law, which accounts for 15% of European GDP. It is notably set...
17 September 2026