At a glance
- The government of Haryana has issued two significant notifications on 8 May 2025, under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act 1958, and the Factories Act 1948.
- Women can now work night shifts albeit employers need to ensure safety measures are in place and consent is given.
- These updates lean towards balancing operational convenience with the safety and enhanced participation of women employees in designated sectors.
The government of Haryana has issued two significant notifications on 8 May 2025, under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act 1958, and the Factories Act 1948, to modernise labour norms and enhance gender inclusivity. Key updates include:
- Night shift employment: Women can now work night shifts (8pm to 6am in commercial establishments) in additional sectors like logistics and warehousing, with necessary exemptions. Factories can also have women workers work during night shifts (7pm to 6am) subject to prescribed conditions.
- Safety measures: Employers must ensure adequate lighting, security, and transportation for women working night shifts. Medical facilities and emergency contacts must be readily available.
- Consent and compliance: Written consent from female employees is mandatory. Employers must comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and other relevant laws.
- Flexibility: Senior women employees in IT/ITES sectors earning over INR 1,00,000 per month can work night shifts without batch size restrictions, provided they consent to it.
These updates lean towards balancing operational convenience with the safety and enhanced participation of women employees in designated sectors.
