Best Employer Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Employer Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Employer law in Agia Paraskevi follows the national labour and social security framework of Greece. As a municipality within the Athens metropolitan area, Agia Paraskevi is subject to the same employment statutes, collective agreements and administrative authorities that apply across the country. Employers operating here must comply with Greek employment rules on contracts, working time, wages, social security contributions, occupational health and safety and non-discrimination, while also observing any sectoral collective-bargaining agreements that may apply to their industry.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employers in Agia Paraskevi may need a lawyer in a variety of situations. Common examples include creating or reviewing employment contracts, handling dismissals and redundancies, responding to employee claims or inspections by the labour inspectorate, negotiating settlement agreements, ensuring compliance with payroll and social security obligations, and addressing issues involving discrimination, harassment or workplace health and safety. A lawyer can help prevent legal risk, represent you in negotiations or litigation before labour courts and advise on interactions with public bodies such as EFKA and the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate.

Local Laws Overview

Employment relationships in Greece are governed primarily by labour statutes, collective-bargaining agreements and case law. Important practical points for employers in Agia Paraskevi include:

- Employment contracts: Contracts can be indefinite or fixed-term. Written terms are essential for clarity and proof. Contracts should specify duties, place of work, working hours, remuneration and any probationary term where applicable.

- Working hours and overtime: Many sectors operate on a standard working week - often around 40 hours - but exact hours and overtime rates may be set by law or collective agreements. Employers must record working time and pay overtime at the prescribed rates.

- Wages and payroll obligations: Employers must pay agreed wages and withhold and remit employee income tax and social security contributions. Minimum wage rules, overtime and allowances are enforced by law and collective agreements.

- Social security contributions: Employers contribute to the national social security fund (EFKA) on behalf of employees and must fulfill reporting and payment obligations. Failure to comply can lead to fines and enforcement actions.

- Termination and severance: Dismissal rules tend to protect employees. Valid reasons, notice requirements and severance obligations depend on the employee category, length of service and any applicable collective agreement. Unlawful dismissal can lead to reinstatement orders or compensation.

- Health and safety: Employers must comply with occupational health and safety obligations, carry out risk assessments, provide training and report workplace accidents to the competent authorities.

- Collective rights and unions: Sectoral or company-level collective agreements and trade union activity can affect terms and conditions. Employers should check which collective instruments apply to their business.

- Foreign workers: Employing non-EU nationals generally requires work and residence permits and compliance with immigration rules in addition to labour law obligations.

- Data protection: Handling employee personal data requires compliance with GDPR and related Greek data protection rules - employers must limit processing to lawful purposes and safeguard employee privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a written employment contract for employees in Agia Paraskevi?

Yes. While Greek law recognises verbal contracts, a written contract is strongly recommended and often required to document essential terms - such as job duties, pay, working hours, probation, notice periods and place of work. A written contract reduces misunderstandings and is practical evidence if a dispute arises.

What notice period must I give to terminate an employee?

Notice periods and termination requirements depend on the employee's status, length of service and applicable collective-bargaining agreement. Notice and any severance obligations are regulated and vary by case. Before dismissing an employee you should confirm the specific legal and contractual notice obligations to avoid claims for unfair dismissal or wrongful termination.

How should I calculate employer social security contributions?

Employers must calculate and withhold employee social contributions and also pay employer contributions to the national social security system (EFKA) and other relevant funds. Contribution rates and bases can vary by sector and employee category. Accurate payroll systems and timely filings are essential to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

What steps should I take if an employee reports workplace harassment or discrimination?

Take every complaint seriously. You should investigate promptly, keep records, ensure confidentiality to the extent possible and take interim measures to protect the complainant if needed. If the investigation confirms misconduct, apply appropriate disciplinary measures. Consult a lawyer early if the case is complex or may lead to litigation.

Can I change an employee's employment terms - for example, reduce hours or salary?

Any unilateral change to fundamental terms such as salary, working hours or job duties can be legally risky. Changes generally require the employee's consent or must be permitted by contract or a collective agreement. Consult a lawyer before implementing significant contractual changes to avoid breach of contract claims.

What are my obligations after a workplace accident?

Following a workplace accident you must provide necessary first aid and medical support, record the incident and report it to the relevant authorities when required. You should also preserve records, cooperate with investigations and ensure the employee receives any statutory benefits. Health and safety compliance and training can help prevent accidents and limit liability.

How do labour inspections work and what should I expect?

Labour inspections are carried out by the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate and other authorities to check compliance with employment, social security and health and safety rules. Inspectors may review payroll, contracts, time records and workplace conditions. If an inspection is announced or takes place, cooperate, provide requested documents and seek legal advice if violations are alleged.

What are typical outcomes of unlawful dismissal claims?

If a court or labour inspectorate finds a dismissal unlawful, outcomes can include reinstatement of the employee, payment of back wages, or compensation calculated according to law and the circumstances. Settlements are also common. Early legal advice can help manage the risk and pursue acceptable resolutions.

How do collective-bargaining agreements affect my workplace?

Collective-bargaining agreements at the sector or company level may set minimum terms, pay scales, working hours and procedures for disputes. These agreements can be binding even if not explicitly referenced in individual contracts, so employers must identify which collective instruments apply to their employees and comply with those provisions.

How should I proceed if I need to dismiss employees for redundancy or restructuring?

Redundancies require a careful process - valid business reasons, fair selection criteria, proper consultation with employees or their representatives, compliance with notice and severance rules and observance of any collective-bargaining procedures. Mass redundancies may trigger additional notification and consultation obligations. A lawyer can help plan the process to reduce legal risk and ensure compliance.

Additional Resources

- Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - responsible for national labour policy and legislation.

- EFKA - national social security organisation - for contributions, benefits and registration matters.

- Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - carries out workplace inspections and enforces labour law and health and safety rules.

- OAED - public employment service - for unemployment benefits, hiring incentives and workforce programs.

- Athens Bar Association - for locating qualified employment lawyers admitted to practice locally.

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - for guidance on employee personal data and GDPR compliance.

- Sectoral trade unions and employer associations - useful for understanding applicable collective agreements and industry practices.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Agia Paraskevi, start by gathering key documents - employment contracts, payroll records, time sheets, personnel files, any correspondence with the employee and collective agreements that may apply. Prepare a clear summary of the issue and what outcome you seek.

Contact a qualified Greek employment lawyer - ideally one with experience in your sector and with local practice in Athens. Ask about consultation fees, likely timelines and potential costs for dispute resolution or litigation. Consider alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or negotiation before going to court - these can save time and cost.

During an initial meeting, be candid about the facts and provide all relevant documents. Follow your lawyer's guidance on immediate steps - such as preserving evidence, responding to inspections or communicating with employees. Early legal advice can often prevent escalation and help you manage compliance and risk effectively.