Inform and consult staff

If your company employs at least 50 people – including staff employed on fixed-term contracts – in an EU country (or at least 20 if it is a branch of a larger business), you are legally obliged to:

  • inform your staff about recent and probable developments in company activities and the economic situation of the company
  • inform and consult staff about the current employment situation and its probable development
  • inform and consult staff about possible substantial changes in work organisation or in contractual relations

You must also make sure you provide the information in good time so that employee representatives have enough time to prepare for consultation on any related issues.

Employee representatives (and any experts assisting them) may not disclose to staff or third parties any confidential information you share with them.

EU legislation

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

Your EURES Adviser

Your EURES Adviser can inform you on working conditions as well as assist you in the recruitment procedures in your country or your cross-border region.

Do you have questions on operating a business cross-border, for example exporting or expanding to another EU country? If so, the Enterprise Europe Network can give you free advice.

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 05/09/2023
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