Since the coming into force of the Unification law of 26 December 2013 (Unification law)1 on the 1st of January 2014, the distinction made by Belgian legislation between blue collar/manual workers (werkman-lui/arbeiders) and white collar/intellectual workers (bedienden) has been partially cancelled. The most important changes are related to the rules governing the period of notice after a dismissal of the worker and the abolishment of the Carenz-day for the manual worker.

Beware that for diamond traders there is an exception with regard to the period of notice in the situation of dismissal, which allows you to apply the specific provisions2 related to this sector until the 31st of December 2017. If you are an employer it is advised to keep a close eye on future developments. Further detailed information can be obtained at the Syndicate of the Belgian Diamond Industry.