Labour Law Insights - February and March 2026
NewsletterIn our latest edition of Labour Law Insights, we continue to share updates around the implementation of the Labour Codes.
Government of India implements four new labour codes: A landmark reform in labour governance
On 21 November 2025, the Government of India took a historic step by implementing the long-awaited four Labour Codes — Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020).
This landmark reform comes nearly five years after their initial introduction and represents a major overhaul of India’s labour governance framework. By consolidating 29 existing labour laws into a simplified and unified structure, these Codes aim to enhance regulatory clarity, improve compliance efficiency, and address evolving workforce dynamics. The move underscores the government’s commitment to modernising labour regulations, ensuring better protection for workers while enabling ease of doing business for employers across sectors.
With the notification on 21 November 2025, the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of the Labour Codes has now been resolved. Consequently, the substantive phase begins — encompassing transition, interpretation, formulation of rules, development of schemes and standards, and their effective implementation at the ground level.
Webinar recording
Decoding New Labour Codes: Moving from awareness to action
Watch our panellists discuss India’s new labour codes and their impact on businesses, covering key changes in wages, social security, and compliance, with practical insights to help organisations navigate the transition effectively.
What are the four labour codes
The Code on Wages, 2019
Amends and consolidates the laws relating to wages and bonus and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto
The Social Security Code, 2020
Seeks to amend and consolidate the laws relating to social security with the goal to extend social security to all employees and workers either in the organised or unorganised or any other sectors and for other incidental or related matters
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Consolidates and amends the laws relating to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishments, investigation and settlement of industrial disputes and for all other incidental or related matters
Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020
Focussed on consolidating and amending the laws regulating the occupational safety, health and working conditions of the persons employed in an establishment and for all other incidental or related matters
Navigating the New Labour Codes?
Cut through complexity. Get quick, practical answers on provisions, business impact, and compliance under the new Labour Codes.
Which labour codes are implemented—and to what extent?Â
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Industrial Relations Code, 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 have been implemented in its entirety.
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The Code on Social Security, 2020 has been brought into effect, with certain exclusions, including the non-repeal of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
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The Code on Wages, 2019 has also been implemented, with certain exclusions related to the constitution of the Central Advisory Board.
How the codes impact businesses
Key areas of consideration
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Payroll
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HR function
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Financial impact
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Policies
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Manpower composition review
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How Grant Thornton Bharat can help
We help organisations divide their strategy into three phases to gauge preparedness and ensure a smooth transition.
Detailed assessment, i.e., comparing existing with new provisions
- Review compensation structure and benefits
- Review existing HR processes and policies
- Review employment and other contracts
- Map/compare the prescribed guidelines under the codes as applicable
- Presentation before the management and stakeholders
Transition
- Assist in revising compensation structure, policies, contracts, etc.
- Worker v/s employee analysis
- Assist in putting plan in place for transition to new codes
- Assist in creating the process ownership structure and align internal department, management and other stakeholders
Implementation and compliance
- Assist in compliances under new codes
- Provide handholding support over a fixed period
- Assist with implementing any change in provisions, clarifications, notified after the effective date
- ERP system changes and change management
Why Grant Thornton Bharat
Transitioning to a new legislative framework is not a one-time activity but a journey. At Grant Thornton Bharat, we are well-equipped to assist our clients as we navigate this legislation change, which will impact employers across industries.
Single point of contact
A dedicated project manager who will act as your single point of contact
Empaneled regulators
Ex-regulators from EPFO empanelled with us to cater to clients’ requirements
Tailored-made solutions
Well-defined communication protocols to provide agile and responsive services
Robust reporting and commitment to timelines
Ensure timely and robust reporting for swift management decision making
We have a team of committed professionals, comprising experienced CAs, Lawyers, and Company Secretaries, with expertise across Payroll, Tax, Labour laws, Company Law and Regulatory domains to help us cover all aspects of the engagement.
Webinar recording
Decoding Labour Codes: The dawn of a new era
We hosted a webinar titled ‘Decoding Labour Codes: The dawn of a new era’ on the new Labour Codes, which came into effect on 21 November 2025. Our experts shared practical guidance on proactive worker classification, compliance with new wage definitions, documentation for social security benefits, digital readiness for streamlined reporting, and the importance of strategic workforce planning across HR, finance, and legal teams.
Regulatory alert
Government of India implements four new Labour Codes
The move highlights the government’s commitment to modernising labour regulations
Our insights
Labour Law Insights: January 2026
NewsletterLabour Law Insights January 2026 provides a comprehensive roundup of recent labour law developments, EPFO and ESI notifications, state-specific rule changes, compliance guidance and strategic implications for employers and HR leaders.
Labour Law Insights: December 2025
NewsletterLabour Codes progress, state law updates, EPFO and ESI changes shaping employer compliance.
