The Czech government is set to end mandatory health checks for entry-level employees in certain professions. Under the proposed changes, medical examinations will no longer be required for administrative roles, cashiers, and some sales positions. The move is part of the government’s second anti-bureaucratic package to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.
The changes also include abolishing food hygiene certificates for restaurant and bakery employees. According to the government, these certificates do not necessarily reflect an individual’s current ability to handle food safely and are often issued without an expiration date. In the healthcare sector, changes will be made to hygiene regulations to facilitate the seasonal production of homemade jams and syrups.
The government has said that the changes are designed to reduce bureaucracy and administrative burdens on businesses, allowing them to focus on their core operations. However, some critics have argued that the new measures will remove important health and safety protections for workers.
The proposed changes are part of a more significant effort by the Czech government to streamline regulations and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. Last year, the government abolished electronic sales records and mandatory periodic medical check-ups for low-risk employees. The changes also increased the turnover limit for mandatory VAT payments and allowed businesses with a turnover of up to two million Czech korun to pay a flat tax rate.
While some business groups have commended the government’s efforts, others have argued that the regulatory burden is too high. The Czech Chamber of Commerce president, Zdeněk Zajíček, recently criticized the government’s approach, arguing that new regulations are being introduced faster than old ones are being removed.
One example of the government’s new administrative requirements is a proposed law requiring employers to register all work agreements with government agencies. The proposal is part of a package aimed at consolidating public finances and preventing abuse of work agreements, in which individuals work for multiple employers without paying social and health insurance.
As the Czech government continues to implement regulatory reforms, it remains to be seen whether the changes will effectively reduce bureaucratic burdens and promote economic growth.