A major change for both employees and employers was announced by Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD). In his own words, the politicians listened to the demands of Belgian tradespeople and students who asked for an extension of working hours as well as an extension of flexi-jobs.

Among others, there was Kortrijk hospitality entrepreneur, Hannes, who made an appeal via LinkedIn and called attention to the urgent demand of the traders to raise the ceiling for job students. 

The government had a long deliberation before coming to a decision, but the extension is coming for both starting in January 2023. 

The question, of course, is: What, specifically, do these changes mean for you? 

More work hours for job students

"Asked and given", Minister Van Quickenborne announced a change in permitted working hours for student workers. This demand came mainly from the hospitality sector and tradespeople who, after the Corona crisis, are now once again at a loss because of the energy crisis. 

Until now, students could work 475 hours without being taxed. From the 476th hour you have to pay higher social contributions. So then you pay 13.07% of your salary instead of 2.71% if you stay within the allowed hours. Depending on where you live in Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia, you may then also lose child allowance. 

So from January, students will now be allowed to perform 600 hours instead of those 475 hours without both employer and employee having to pay more in social contributions. Also, this will not affect the child allowance received by parents. 

So this is a win for both employers and students who would like to work more. 

Expansion for flexi-jobs

There is also good news for the flexi-jobbers among us! Until now, the sectors where you could work under the flexi-job statute were vastly limited. Fortunately, this is about to change. 

From January 2023 it will be possible to work as a flexi-jobber in the following sectors, in addition to hospitality and retail: 

• Agriculture
• Sports
• Culture & events
• Care 

Certainly a welcome rule to support both merchants and employees through a difficult period. AbsoluteYOU will continue to monitor the news and keep you informed as to how this will affect your payroll.