COVID-19
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly put life as we knew it on hold. Not only our personal lives were subject to massive changes, professionally, things transformed as well. One of the measures to combat the COVID-19 crisis was the introduction of recommended or compulsory telework for employees, also known as corona telework.
Current COVID-19 measures in Belgium
At this moment, employees in Belgium are no longer obliged to work from home. However, the pandemic has caused more companies to introduce a permanent homework policy for their employees. The hybrid workplace has become an extra-legal benefit and an indispensable part of a competitive salary package for many.
What is COVID-19 vaccine leave?
Until 30 June 2022, the law provided a paid “vaccination” leave for employees who had a vaccination appointment during the working hours. The vaccination leave meant that the employee had a right to be absent from work for the time it took to get the vaccine, while retaining his or her normal remuneration.
Situation as of October 2022
In September 2022, Belgian citizens have received yet another invitation to get their booster COVID-19 vaccine.
Up until this week, it seemed however that the Belgian legislator forgot about the fall booster vaccine, as the COVID-19 vaccine leave was not extended after June 30.
This week, a legislative proposal was approved to re-introduce the COVID-19 vaccine leave from 1 October 2022 until 31 December 2022 (with an option to extend this further until 31 March 2023).
Even though the proposal still has to be formalized by way of a publication in the Belgian State Gazette, there is no doubt that the vaccination leave will be back soon.
We’ll keep you posted!
