New rules on telework to further limit the spread of Covid-19: update regional measures

Last week, we informed you about the new measures regarding telework at the federal level. In short: teleworking is no longer ‘highly recommended’ but has become ‘the rule’ for all workers whose roles allow for telework, but only to the extent that the continuity of business operations, activities and services permits it. Moreover, companies can arrange well-organised occasions in which employees can return to the company premises if they comply with sanitary measures.

Over the weekend, the Walloon and Brussels regional governments took additional measures to prevent the further spread of Covid-19. Although various media presented ‘compulsory teleworking’ as one of the new Brussels measures, the Brussels government has merely referred to what has already been decided at the federal level in this regard. Companies in Brussels – and also Wallonia – are therefore subject to the same rules concerning telework as set out in our newsflash (with the exception of the night curfew that applies between 10 pm and 6 am in Brussels and Wallonia). Yet, both regional governments have explicitly asked the federal government to increase inspections.

On 27 October, also the Flemish government emphasised that companies should make maximum use of teleworking, but did not announce any additional measures in this respect.

In the meantime, it has been announced at the federal level that a consultation round will be organised with the employers’ federations in order to set up a monitoring system.

For the time being, the reinforced measures will apply until 19 November 2020.

The ALTIUS Employment Team will keep you posted about new developments.

Written by

• Philippe De Wulf

  Partner

• Esther Soetens

  Counsel