New labour codes: From layoff guidelines to timely wages; new checklist issued for employers
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Indian Labour and Employment Ministry has introduced a comprehensive compliance checklist for employers to enhance accountability and reduce legal disputes under the new labour codes. These codes, which came into effect on November 21, 2025, replace 29 central labour laws with a unified framework. The checklist outlines specific obligations across four key areas: wages, social security, industrial relations, and workplace safety.
Employers are now required to meet foundational compliance obligations from the moment a business is established or a new worker joins. This includes registering the establishment, maintaining records on attendance, wages, deductions, and overtime, as well as ensuring minimum workplace safety standards. Additionally, employers must enroll eligible workers in social security schemes, form internal work committees, and establish grievance redressal mechanisms.
The new guidelines also introduce monthly and annual compliance requirements. Employers must ensure timely wage payments, deposit social security contributions, provide wage slips, file a unified annual return, revise minimum wages where necessary, renew licences, conduct safety audits, and arrange health check-ups for employees aged 40 and above. In event-related scenarios such as workplace accidents or disease outbreaks, employers are required to report incidents within specified timeframes and adhere to strict timelines for clearing dues.
This initiative aims to minimize litigation by clarifying employer responsibilities during the transition from old labour laws to the new codes. By providing a clear "to-do list," the government seeks to ensure early compliance with statutory requirements, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes. The move is particularly significant for employers, as it streamlines their obligations under the unified labour code framework.
For readers interested in global business and employment trends, this development highlights India's efforts to modernize its labour laws and create a more transparent and accountable workplace environment. By addressing compliance ambiguities and establishing clear guidelines, the government aims to foster a more predictable and secure legal landscape for employers and employees alike.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026