Best Employer Lawyers in Elliniko

About Employer Law in Elliniko, Greece

This guide provides an accessible overview of employer-related legal issues for businesses and managers based in Elliniko, Greece. Employment matters in Elliniko are governed by national Greek employment and social security law, supplemented by collective agreements and European Union rules where applicable. Employers must comply with obligations on contracts, wages, working time, social contributions, occupational health and safety, and non-discrimination. For disputes, the competent authorities and courts are typically located in the wider Attica region, including Labor Inspectorate offices and the Employment Courts in Athens.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employers often seek legal help to manage risk, ensure compliance, and resolve disputes. Common situations include drafting employment contracts and internal policies, managing hiring and redundancy processes, handling disciplinary actions and dismissals, defending or initiating employment litigation, dealing with social security audits and contribution issues, responding to workplace accidents or health and safety investigations, and addressing allegations of discrimination or harassment. A lawyer can advise on legal obligations, represent you before authorities and courts, and help negotiate settlements or collective arrangements.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks and practical points relevant to employers in Elliniko include the following.

National employment law - Employment relationships are regulated by Greek labour legislation and civil law principles. Recent reforms, including Law 4808/2021 and other statutory provisions, shape core rules on employment terms, protection against unfair dismissal, and rights and duties for employers and employees.

Collective bargaining - Collective agreements and sectoral or company-level agreements can set terms that supplement or improve on statutory minimums. Employers should check applicable collective agreements for their sector or workforce.

Contracts and written terms - Employers must provide clear information on the main terms of employment. Written contracts or written statements of terms are important for clarity and for evidence in case of disputes.

Working time and leave - Rules cover maximum working hours, overtime compensation, rest breaks and paid leave. These rules may come from national law or collective agreements.

Wages and social contributions - Employers are responsible for paying agreed wages on time and for remitting social security contributions and payroll taxes to EFKA and other state agencies. Non-compliance can lead to audits and penalties.

Health and safety - Employers must comply with health and safety obligations to protect workers from harm. This includes risk assessments, training, protective equipment and reporting workplace accidents.

Termination and redundancy - Termination of employment for misconduct, poor performance or economic reasons is regulated and may require notice, justification and in some cases consultation or collective procedures. Wrongful dismissal claims can lead to reinstatement orders or compensation.

Dispute resolution - Employment disputes can be brought before labour courts. Administrative remedies and inspections are handled by the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate. Alternative dispute resolution and negotiated settlements are also common.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I take when hiring an employee in Elliniko?

Keep written records of the job offer and contract terms, verify the employees right to work, register the employee with EFKA and the payroll system before the first payday, confirm applicable collective agreements, and ensure you provide any mandatory written information on employment conditions. Having a standard contract and a checklist helps reduce compliance risk.

Do I need a written employment contract for every worker?

It is highly advisable to have written contracts or written statements of essential terms for all employees. Written terms clarify rights and obligations and are strong evidence if a dispute arises. Certain rules apply specifically to fixed-term, part-time and remote-working arrangements, so tailor documents accordingly.

What are the key rules on working hours and overtime?

National law sets out working time principles, rest breaks and overtime pay or compensatory time-off. Collective agreements can modify these rules. Ensure rosters and time records comply with legal requirements and that overtime is authorised and compensated correctly.

How should I handle a disciplinary issue or poor performance?

Follow a fair and documented procedure - inform the employee of the concern, give the employee an opportunity to respond, investigate the facts, and then decide on proportional disciplinary measures. Document each step. Improper procedures can turn a disciplinary dismissal into a wrongful-dismissal claim.

What are my obligations if I need to make redundancies?

Redundancies for economic or structural reasons usually require objective justification, proper notice, and, for larger-scale layoffs, consultation with employee representatives or unions. Procedures and compensation rules depend on the reason for redundancy and applicable collective agreements. Seek legal advice early to ensure procedural and substantive compliance.

What should I do after a workplace accident?

Provide immediate assistance to the injured worker, document the incident, preserve evidence, notify the relevant authorities if required, and report the accident to your insurer and EFKA. Conduct a risk assessment and implement measures to prevent recurrence. A lawyer can assist with claims, investigations and communications with authorities.

How can I protect my business from unfair dismissal claims?

Ensure dismissals are justified, follow prescribed procedures, provide appropriate notice or pay in lieu, document performance or conduct problems, consider alternatives to dismissal, and consult a lawyer before taking final dismissal steps when the case is complex or likely to be contested.

What are the typical remedies if an employee sues for unlawful dismissal?

Remedies can include reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and an order to pay other statutory damages. The outcome depends on the facts, the legal basis of the termination and procedural compliance. Settlement is often an option to avoid lengthy litigation.

Can an employer make deductions from wages?

Deductions are generally allowed only when authorised by law, a collective agreement, the employment contract, or with the employees written consent. Deductions that reduce pay below statutory minimums or are punitive without process may be unlawful. Keep clear payroll documentation for any deductions.

How quickly should I act if I face an employment dispute or inspection?

Act promptly - employment and administrative procedures often have strict deadlines. Preserve relevant documents, notify your insurer and legal counsel, and comply with information requests from labour inspectors. Early legal advice can prevent escalation and protect your position.

Additional Resources

These are the types of organisations and public bodies that can be helpful when you need information or assistance.

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - national policy, announcements and guidance on employment law and labour market matters.

Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - conducts workplace inspections and enforces labour and health and safety rules.

EFKA - the unified social security fund responsible for social insurance registration, contributions and benefits.

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

National and sectoral trade unions - for collective bargaining, consultations and support when collective issues arise.

Employment Courts in Athens - the judicial venue for employment litigation for employers based in Elliniko and the wider Attica region.

Local chambers and employer associations - for practical guidance, training and sector specific advice.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employer-related matter in Elliniko, consider the following practical steps.

1. Gather key documents - employment contracts, payslips, time records, internal policies, correspondence and any incident reports. Clear documentation helps your lawyer assess the issue quickly.

2. Seek an initial consultation - contact a lawyer experienced in Greek employment law. Ask about experience with similar cases, fee structure and likely timelines.

3. Consider urgent interventions - if there is an imminent risk such as a dismissal dispute, pending inspection, or a threatened injunction, ask your lawyer about interim measures to protect your interests.

4. Explore non-litigious options - where appropriate, negotiate settlements, mediated agreements or remedial corrective actions to resolve the matter faster and with lower cost.

5. Use local resources - contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or relevant employer associations for guidance on compliance and best practice.

Important note - This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace tailored legal advice. Employment law is complex and subject to change. For specific cases consult a qualified employment lawyer in Greece who can advise on the facts of your situation and represent you before authorities and courts.