Contracts, leave and exits in Italy
How an Italian contract is built on the collective agreement, and what the employee is entitled to.
The contract sits on the CCNL
Every employment contract is in writing and refers to a national collective agreement, the CCNL, chosen from the job and the sector. Think of a Swedish kollektivavtal that applies automatically: the CCNL sets minimum pay per level, hours, overtime rates, leave, probation and notice.
The contract itself states title and level, place of work, salary, hours, start date, probation, and whether it is permanent or fixed-term. A raise, a promotion or a move to part-time is made by written amendment.
Nordic citizens move freely within the EU/EEA. For non-EU staff, the work permit (nulla osta) must be granted before the first day. See permits.
Ending employment follows set rules: a valid reason, the CCNL notice period, and the final payslip with TFR and unused leave.
Leave and absences
- Holiday: at least 4 weeks a year by law, often more under the CCNL, plus paid hours off (ROL) in many agreements.
- Sick leave: the doctor sends the certificate online to INPS; pay is shared between INPS and the employer as the CCNL sets. There is no Swedish-style qualifying deduction to apply.
- Maternity and paternity: 5 months of mandatory maternity leave and 10 working days of paternity leave, mostly paid through INPS, plus optional parental leave.
- Public holidays: twelve national ones, plus the patron saint's day of the town.
Every absence goes into that month's payroll and invoice.