Labour & HR
Labour Codes — Meaning
Four codes that replaced 29 labour laws from 21 November 2025 — wages, industrial relations, social security and OSH.
What is Labour Codes?
The Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code took effect on 21 November 2025, replacing 29 older labour laws. They introduce a uniform definition of wages (excluded allowances can't exceed 50% of remuneration), mandatory appointment letters, fixed-term employment with pro-rata gratuity, new thresholds for factories and contract labour, social security for gig and platform workers, and unified registrations and returns.
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Related terms
More Labour & HR terms
Gratuity
A lump sum paid on leaving after five years' service (one year for fixed-term staff), tax-free up to ₹20 lakh.
ESIC (Employees' State Insurance)
Health and social insurance for employees earning up to ₹21,000 a month in establishments with 10+ employees.
POSH Act
The law requiring employers with 10+ employees to have an Internal Committee on sexual harassment complaints.
