Trial Periods Make a Comeback: What Does This Mean for Employers and Employees?
A trial period for new hires is set to return to Belgian labor law, potentially as early as spring 2026, marking a significant shift in employment regulations. The move, agreed upon by the federal government, will allow both employers and employees to terminate a contract within the first six months with just one week’s notice, a considerable reduction from current requirements.
The trial period was previously abolished in 2014 as part of broader reforms aimed at unifying the status of workers and employees and adjusting notice periods. Even though, Minister of Work David Clarinval (MR) has described the reintroduction as “an essential lever to stimulate the labor market” and a way to facilitate hiring, particularly for young people. According to Clarinval, lengthy decision-making processes surrounding new hires have been a deterrent for employers.
Currently, employees with between six and nine months of service are entitled to six weeks’ notice if dismissed, or three weeks’ notice if they resign. The new regulations will streamline this process, offering greater flexibility for both parties during the initial phase of employment. This decision highlights the ongoing effort to balance worker protections with the necessitate for a more dynamic labor market.
UNIZO, the organization representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has welcomed the return of the trial period, calling it a “gamechanger” for many businesses. The organization argues that hiring decisions carry significant financial risk for smaller companies, which often lack the resources for extensive selection processes. UNIZO stated that the new system will alleviate some of that risk.
“The step towards a new recruitment is immensely large for many companies, this decision removes some of that cold fear,” UNIZO explained. “And that benefits our SMEs, society and the economy.”
According to a recent survey cited by UNIZO, 70 percent of employees also notice the benefits of the trial period, with only 18.7 percent opposed to the measure. This broad support suggests a consensus that the change could be mutually beneficial.
The proposed law is currently with the Council of State for advice and is expected to be voted on in parliament in the coming spring. It’s important to note that the new trial period will only apply to contracts concluded after the law comes into effect; existing contracts will remain unchanged. Jobat.be reports that the move is expected to encourage more companies to consider new hires.
The reintroduction of the trial period is seen as a way to make the labor market more adaptable and equitable, particularly for SMEs. VRT News notes that the change aims to reduce the barriers to employment and provide a more realistic assessment period for both employers and employees.
