Working in Belgium - Working time

Belgian legislation imposes a double limit on working hours. Working hours must not exceed eight per day or 40 per week or such shorter time as is laid down under the working time reduction provisions. Various amendments to the legislation have resulted in fact in the limits being nine hours per day and 40 hours per week. A day off on Sundays is obligatory.

If the time worked exceeds the normal working hours, then workers are entitled to overtime payments. Overtime is paid at 50% above the normal rate, or 100% in the case of work on Sundays or public holidays.

The work regime and the hours worked are set out in the labour regulations. The employer must give this document to all his staff. Make sure that you have received it and read it carefully.

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Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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