Final Word from Monday, September 27, 2004
Several new laws now in various stages of preparation could have a negative impact on employment. The most intrusive is a plan to ban retail sales at large stores after 10pm and on holidays. KDU-ČSL even wants a ban on Sunday sales, all of which would put numerous shop clerks out of work. Second is a law for banning personal questions in job interviews. Its intentions are good, but it could lead to greater discrimination against women of child-bearing age. Third is a new requirement for non-EU nationals active in a company's daily operations to get a work permit. And fourth is a ban on child labor, which could drive some small farmers into the ground. The CR is moving rapidly towards a more restrictive labor market, only partly because of European Union membership. With 10% unemployment already, the question is whether it can afford to do it. jobless rate