POLICY UPDATE | Referendums of 8–9 June 2025
On 8 and 9 June 2025, Italy held abrogative referendums on four employment-law questions. They concerned the “Jobs Act” dismissal regime, compensation in small businesses, the use of fixed-term contracts and liability for accidents in contracting chains.
Because turnout remained below the constitutional quorum, the proposals did not take effect. Employment contracts and termination decisions therefore continued to be governed by the existing statutes as subsequently interpreted by the courts.
For international employers, the result did not mean that the law had become static. Constitutional Court decisions and legislative amendments continued to reshape dismissal remedies, while fixed-term hiring and contracting remained areas of scrutiny.
Businesses should avoid treating a failed referendum as permanent legal certainty. Policies and templates should be reviewed against current legislation and case law, with particular care in dismissals and contractor management.