Harsher Fines For Bosses Who Break Employment Law

Malta is set to strengthen its employment laws by introducing harsher penalties for employers who breach workers’ rights.

The legal amendments aim to ensure greater fairness and accountability in the workplace, while delivering on the government’s pledge to clamp down on exploitative practices.

Announcing the reform, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul described the changes as a meaningful step towards improving worker protection.

Harsher Fines For Bosses Who Break Employment Law

He noted that previous penalties – such as a €232 fine for issues like wage underpayment, unpaid overtime, or denial of holiday pay – were far too lenient, even in cases of repeated misconduct.

Under the new legislation, employers found guilty of such violations will face significantly steeper fines: between €2,000 and €5,000 for a first offence, and €5,000 to €7,000 for any subsequent breaches.

In addition, the time limit for investigating and prosecuting employment law violations will double from one to two years.

This extension gives both employees and the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) more time to act on reported cases.

Ellul also highlighted other initiatives introduced in recent years to protect workers, including new rules for job agencies, better conditions for food couriers, and increases to the minimum wage.

DIER Director General Diane Vella Muscat described the reforms as vital tools in upholding fair employment standards across Malta.

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