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    Employment contracts in Colombia

    Practical guidance for hiring, managing and ending employment relationships in Colombia with a preventive approach.

    The title of an agreement does not by itself determine whether an employment relationship exists. In Colombia, personal service, ongoing subordination and remuneration are the central elements. The way the relationship operates in practice must therefore be reviewed alongside the written contract.

    Decisions throughout employment

    This topic brings together guidance on hiring arrangements, probation, working time, compensation, benefits, social security, disciplinary proceedings and termination. For employers, documenting instructions, changes and decisions helps prevent disputes and respond appropriately to claims.

    When to seek advice

    A legal review is advisable before engaging individuals under civil or commercial arrangements, changing essential conditions, imposing discipline, ending a relationship or responding to an authority. Each decision depends on the facts, documents and current rules.

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    Labor Law

    Key Considerations for the Proper Termination of an Employment Contract.

    Terminating employment contracts in Colombia is possible, and it is important to consider certain key aspects to ensure legal compliance and avoid future legal disputes....

    Labor Law

    Compensation for Contract Terminations Under the Labor Reform.

    The landscape of compensation for unjustified dismissal could undergo significant changes, providing greater protection to workers under different types of contracts. In the case of...

    Labor Law

    How to Identify When a Service Provision Contract Becomes an Employment Contract?

    The service provision contract is a form of engagement with civil characteristics, through which obligations are generated for the parties, whether natural or legal persons, wherein the contractor executes the contract's purpose with full freedom regarding methods, forms, and timing, being devoid of the obligations arising from an employment relationship.

    Labor Law

    Can the Extension of an Employment Contract Be Agreed Upon at the Time of Its Execution?

    In accordance with the provisions of Article 46 of the Substantive Labor Code, it can be interpreted that it is entirely possible to agree on the extension and its conditions at the time of...

    Regulatory Updates

    Tax Benefits for the Hiring of Older Adults

    Through Law 2040 of July 27, 2020, a tax benefit was created for companies that hire older adults, also called the "Senior Friendly Seal" program...

    Labor Law

    Differences Between Employment Contract and Service Provision Contract

    Practical differences between employment and independent services agreements, subordination and misclassification risks.

    Labor Law

    CONTRACT REALITY: EXISTENCE OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REGARDLESS OF THE CONTRACTUAL MODALITY AGREED UPON

    The right to work constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the Social State under the Rule of Law, and as is obvious, one of the main constitutional prerogatives granted. Thus it has been...

    Labor Law

    How does the pension reform impact human talent management and your company's labor risks?

    The pension reform requires companies to anticipate adjustments in payroll, social security, and human talent management, identifying workers under the transition regime and those close to retirement. A corporate pension diagnosis, with specialized legal support, makes it possible to review employment histories, prevent legal contingencies, and optimize retirement and staff succession planning.

    Labor Law

    THE NEW LABOR GAME: FEWER HOURS, MORE RULES

    Employers are facing a profound change in the rules of the labor game. The reduction of the weekly working hours, which will go to 44 hours starting July 15, 2025, and then continue to decrease until reaching 42, seems on paper to be a positive measure: working less without earning less. But the truth is that, in practice, each hour is now worth more.

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