Designates the categories of workers that the law applies to, while some laws are universal, many laws exempt certain occupations or workers in firms below a designated threshold of employees.

Fixed-term contracts offer a lower level of employment protection as compared to contracts of indefinite duration. For this reason, many countries regulate their use.

The probationary (trial) period is a period of employment during which employment protection legislation does not apply fully.  For this reason, national laws and regulations may place limits on its duration.

The employment of a worker shall not be terminated unless there is a valid reason for such termination. Dismissals may be prohibited on several grounds, such as discrimination.

Some workers benefit from a higher level of protection against dismissal owing to their special status.

In order to dismiss an employee, employers usually have to follow a set of legally mandated procedures, such as providing notice. Failure to follow such procedure may nullify the dismissal.

When several workers are to be dismissed simultaneously or over a short period of time, employers may have to follow different procedures, specifically designed for this purpose.

Workers may be entitled to separation benefits from the employer. Usually the amount is linked to the reason for dismissal, the wage and the worker’s tenure in the enterprise.

An essential element of a worker’s protection against unjustified dismissal is the right of appeal.  The national legislation often provides diverse remedies in case an employee wishes to contest the dismissal.