The rules would also prevent employers from stopping a worker from taking up another job outside of working hours and require that all new employees get key information on their responsibilities and working conditions within a week. It is an important step in the EU's social policy. Non-standards jobs have become more prevalent due to changes in the world of work, such as increasing digitalisation and the creation of new business models. In the so-called gig economy temporary positions and short-term contracts with independent workers are common.The new rules would apply to anyone being paid to work at least 12 hours per four weeks on average, including domestic , on-demand, intermittent, voucher based- and, platform workers as well as trainees and apprentices.

Next steps

EU ministers will still have to approve the rules before they can enter into force. After that EU countries will have three years to bring their national legislation in line with the directive.

Main elements of the new rules

The legislation would set new or higher minimum standards for parental and carers' leave. Fathers would be entitled to at least 10 working days' paternity leave, paid at least at the level of sick pay. This would also apply to equivalent second parents, where recognised by national laws. People would have the right to at least four months of parental leave, of which two months are non-transferable and paid. The level of compensation would be set by EU countries. Workers looking after seriously ill or dependent relatives could claim five days of carers' leave a year. In addition parents and carers would benefit from improved rights to request flexible working arrangements, for example flexible or reduced working hours.