Tomsej, Jakub --- "On the balance between flexibility and precarity: atypical forms of employment under the laws of the Czech Republic" [2019] ELECD 1850; in Kenner, Jeff; Florczak, Izabela; Otto, Marta (eds), "Precarious Work" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 155

Book Title: Precarious Work

Editor(s): Kenner, Jeff; Florczak, Izabela; Otto, Marta

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 9

Section Title: On the balance between flexibility and precarity: atypical forms of employment under the laws of the Czech Republic

Author(s): Tomšej, Jakub

Number of pages: 20

Abstract/Description:

The recent economic crisis has increased the demand for atypical, flexible work patterns. Czech lawmakers have thus been under continuous pressure by employers to adopt more liberal labour laws. Any increase of flexibility in labour relations, however, increases the risk of worsening the conditions of employees and deepening precarity in labour relations. The chapter focuses on the current legal regulation of flexible forms of work under Czech law, and attempts to evaluate to what extent these patterns represent a welcomed option for both employers and employees, and to what extent they trigger the risk of precarious work. The author describes legal instruments such as agreements on performance of work outside the employment relationship, fixed term employment, part time employment, self-employment, employment through work agency and remote working. Particular attention is paid to illegal work issues and related proceedings against employers. In summary, the author concludes that the increase of flexibility in labour relations has had positive consequences in many aspects, but the author also debates potential issues and challenges arising from legal regulation for workers.