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Hungary鈥檚 'Slave' Law

The row over Hungary鈥檚 new overtime law.

Hungarian politicians have been the focus of protest since they passed what many have called a 鈥渟lave law鈥 last December. This legislation allows companies to ask their workers to do more overtime 鈥 and to delay payment for up to three years. But the government says the law gives businesses flexibility and employees the freedom to work more and earn more.

Many think that this legislation is intended to deal with Hungary鈥檚 chronic labour shortage. With an ageing population, hard-line immigration policies and many educated young people looking for work overseas, businesses in Hungary struggle to recruit the people they need.

Lucy Ash travels to Hungary to hear about the new law and its implications 鈥 and find out how businesses are coping with a dwindling workforce.

Presenter: Lucy Ash
Producer: Josephine Casserly

(Photo: Protesters hold up banners reading 'Stop Orban'. Credit: Laszlo Balogh/Getty Images)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 10 Feb 2019 19:32GMT

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  • Sat 9 Feb 2019 08:32GMT
  • Sun 10 Feb 2019 01:32GMT
  • Sun 10 Feb 2019 19:32GMT

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