Employment Law in Central Europe's Smallest Country

Liechtenstein may only have a population of 30,000 but it enjoys a large reserve of labour beyond its borders and operates liberal employment laws

Although Liechtenstein is one of the European countries which places the least administrative burdens upon employers, it is also one of Europe's best kept secrets as a corporate location. Until today any employer wishing to know the nature of employment law obligations in Liechtenstein would have to hire one of the few specialist lawyers practicing in the principality. However, now the Federation of European Employers (FedEE) has made available an alternative source through its latest employment law guide.

Speaking at the launch of the guide today, FedEE Secretary-General Robin Chater pointed out that "Liechtenstein is not only an attractive centre for financial institutions because of its banking laws and low tax regime, but is also well located for access to Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Germany. Labour laws are liberal by EU standards and the industrial relations climate is highly positive. Because of revisions to the labour law agreed in December 2002 employers may now even introduce seven day working with reduced daily rest periods".

NOTE TO EDITORS
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, but maintains considerable international importance as a financial centre. As a member of he European Economic Area Liechtenstein must adopt all of the European Union's social and employment directives, as well as permit freedom of movement for the citizens of other EEA states.

Fédération des Employeurs Européens/The Federation of European Employers (FedEE) is the organisation for international employers operating across Europe. The Federation was founded in 1989 with financial assistance from the European Commission.