Quarter of a million Belgians are second-jobbers

One in 20 workers in Belgium has two jobs – or more – according to the latest figures from Statbel, Belgium’s statistics office.

Belgium is third most expensive EU country for labour

Labour costs in Belgium are much higher than the average level in Europe – the third highest of all EU countries – according to newly released figures from European Union statistical office Eurostat.

Expat Q&A: How to qualify for paid educational leave in Brussels

Did you know that in Brussels, as in the rest of Belgium, workers are entitled to paid educational leave? Thanks to this invaluable right, all employees can undergo training, further their studies, and develop new skills throughout their careers while continuing to receive their salaries. In this month’s newsletter, the Expat Welcome Desk explains how this leave works, who is eligible, how to apply, and where to find training programmes.

Redundancies in Belgium rising sharply, study reveals

People working in Belgium are more and more likely to be made redundant, according to a new study by human resources and social security company Securex.

Belgium considers voluntary military service initiative

Belgium’s defence minister Theo Francken is considering a voluntary military service programme aimed at increasing the amount of young people working in defence.

Discriminatory practices uncovered at domestic help firms

Some domestic help and cleaning companies in Belgium are engaging in illegal discriminatory practices, according to a VRT undercover investigation.

Plan to make sick notes compulsory again from first day of absence

Negotiators for the future federal government are proposing the elimination of a measure adopted by the previous government that allowed workers in large companies – those with more than 50 employees – to take a single sick day without producing a doctor’s note.

Disruption to national rail and public transport in Brussels on 13 January due to strike action

Belgian rail and Brussels public transport network Stib-Mivb are among services facing disruption on 13 January due to a national strike.

Chinese delegation considering Audi site takeover is turned away

A delegation of Chinese officials from Beijing who wanted to visit the Audi Brussels site in Forest on Monday was turned away by management, according to the CNE trade union.

De Lijn to reduce services from January due to staff shortages

Flemish public transport company De Lijn will have to reduce its services in several areas from 6 January 2025, due to a shortage of drivers and rolling stock, its director Ann Schoubs has announced.