The new Conditions of Work Regulation Orders have been introduced in virtue of Legal Notices 112 to 143 of 2026, published on the 30th of April 2026. These new regulation orders, which shall enter into force two months from the date of publication in the Government Gazette will repeal and replace the existing Wage Regulation Orders and will establish clearer and more comprehensive standards regulating employment conditions within each sector.
Among the principal matters addressed by each Conditions of Work Regulation Orders are hours of work applicable to the respective sector, minimum wage entitlements, minimum overtime remuneration rates and sector-specific shift allowances.
The new Orders also regulate minimum daily and weekly rest periods by reference to the Organisation of Working Time Regulations. Similarly, employees’ entitlement to vacation leave shall continue to be governed in accordance with the provisions of those regulations.
Each Conditions of Work Regulation Order contains provisions regulating sick leave entitlements applicable to the relevant sector. However, a notable difference from the previous Wage Regulation Orders is that across all sectors, employees shall be entitled to sick leave from the very first day of work.
In certain sectors, the regulations also provide that employers must supply employees with the necessary uniforms required for the performance of their duties.
In line with the most recent legislative amendments, employees shall continue to be entitled to national holidays and public holidays with full pay, all forms of leave established under the Minimum Special Leave Entitlement Regulations and any additional forms of leave that may from time to time be prescribed under the National Standard Order or any regulations issued under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act.
Also noteworthy is that, through L.N. 144 of 2026, minor amendments will be introduced to the Minimum Special Leave Entitlement Regulations, granting employees three working days of marriage leave and three working days of bereavement leave.
