New Labour Codes Simplified: 10 Employee Categories That Stand to Gain Big

India’s new labour codes, effective from November 21, 2025, provide enhanced rights and protections for employees across sectors, including gratuity, timely wage payments, health benefits, and regulated working hours. Here’s how different employee categories stand to benefit:

1. Fixed-Term Employees (FTEs): FTEs now receive the same benefits as permanent employees, including leave, medical coverage, and social security. They become eligible for gratuity after one year of service instead of five and are entitled to wages equal to permanent staff, boosting both income and job security.
2. Gig and Platform Workers: For the first time, gig and platform workers are legally recognized. Aggregators must contribute 1–2% of annual turnover to a social security fund. Benefits are accessible via an Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number, ensuring portability across states.
3. Contract Workers: Contract workers are entitled to free annual health check-ups and social security benefits. Principal employers must provide healthcare and legal protections similar to permanent staff.
4. Women Workers: Gender-based wage discrimination is prohibited. Women can work night shifts and perform all types of work with consent and safety measures. Representation in grievance-redressal committees is mandatory, and the definition of ‘family’ has been expanded for dependent benefits.
5. IT & ITES Workers: Salaries must be paid by the 7th of each month. Equal pay for equal work is enforced, women can work night shifts, and harassment, wage, or discrimination disputes are addressed promptly. Social security benefits are guaranteed through fixed-term employment and formal appointment letters.
6. Audio-Visual and Digital Media Workers: Journalists, dubbing artists, stunt persons, and others now receive full benefits. Appointment letters are mandatory, wages must be paid on time, and overtime is paid at double rates with employee consent.
7. Youth Workers: A statutory minimum wage applies to all youth workers. Appointment letters formalize employment, ensure social security, and protect against exploitation. Wages during leave are now guaranteed.
8. MSME Workers: Workers in micro, small, and medium enterprises gain social security coverage, minimum wages, access to facilities like canteens and rest areas, standard working hours, paid leave, and overtime at double wages.
9. Hazardous Industry Workers: All workers receive free annual health check-ups. Safety committees are mandatory on worksites. Women can work in all roles, including mining and heavy machinery operations, ensuring equal job opportunities.

Export Sector Workers: Fixed-term employees in the export sector are entitled to gratuity, PF, and other social security benefits. Workers can take annual leave after 180 days of work, receive timely wages without deductions, and women may work night shifts to increase earning potential.