Increasing fines and expected labour inspections from March 2024

As of 1 March 2024, significant changes will enter into force related to labour safety and health and labour fines. According to the Ministry of National Economy, the government will pay special attention to the prevention of employment-related irregularities, with a special focus on the prevention of workplace accidents.

The lower limit of the labour protection fine per employee will be doubled, beeing increased to HUF 100,000, while the upper limit will be increased tenfold, reaching HUF 100 million. The lower limit of the labour fine will be increased fivefold to HUF 150,000, while the upper limit will be maximum HUF 20 million for medium-sized companies and HUF 25 million for companies employing 250 or more employees.

In order to increase the fines and meet the government’s preventive targets, labour inspections are expected to become more frequent in 2024. Employers should prepare for these changes and improve their health and safety and labour systems where necessary to comply with applicable legislation and minimise potential fines.