Sophie works full-time as an administrative employee at a Brussels company. On weekends, she helps out at a local restaurant. Thanks to the flexi-job, this additional income is simple, legal, and does not jeopardise her main job. With the extension voted last night, thousands of Belgians like Sophie will be able to do the same, in all sectors. Last night, Parliament adopted the extension of flexi-jobs to all sectors, subject to restrictions for certain regulated professions. Employment Minister David Clarinval welcomed the vote: it embodies the government's choice for work and autonomy, and responds to a genuine demand on the ground, both from employers and from workers and pensioners. This measure also addresses the labour shortages holding back many sectors. After the new system for voluntary overtime and the reintroduction of the trial period, this reform marks another important step towards making our labour market more flexible, better rewarding work, and strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses.
Flexi-jobs are a genuine success. In the third quarter of 2025, more than 181,000 workers held a flexi-job, totalling over 212,000 contracts. During the summer of 2025, the number of flexi-job workers rose by 16% and the number of flexi-jobs by 17% compared to the previous year. This growth is seen across all sectors, with the hospitality industry remaining the leading user.
Flexi-jobs do not replace traditional employment
Data from the NSSO also address the main criticism levelled at the system: 83% of flexi-job workers have a main job carried out more than 95% of the time. Flexi-jobs therefore do not replace traditional employment. They complement it, at the request of the workers themselves.
The reform allows flexi-jobs to be used in all sectors, while respecting the rules applicable to protected professions. The system retains its appeal: the employer contribution remains set at 28% and the maximum annual income is raised to €18,000.
The social partners retain an important role, with the possibility of regulating, limiting or excluding flexi-jobs at sectoral level. They will be able to exclude or regulate flexi-jobs via an opt-out, and return to an opt-in if they wish. The text also opens up the possibility of limiting the volume of flexi-jobs to a percentage of total work in the care and childcare sectors.
The text also clarifies the salary cap: in the hospitality sector, the flexi-wage is set at €21 per hour; in other sectors, the 150% cap now applies solely to the base salary, rather than to the entire flexi-wage including bonuses and allowances. Flexi-job workers will be able to receive the same supplements as other employees, while artificial bonuses designed to circumvent the system remain banned. Pragmatic adjustments are also planned for temporary agency workers and related companies.
An evaluation will be carried out one year after entry into force.
David Clarinval, Minister of Employment: "We are witnessing a shift in mindset towards work. A growing share of the population wants more freedom in their professional path. Many people want to be able to combine several activities, work more during certain periods, or continue working after retirement. Our role is to support this shift by offering a legal, transparent and balanced framework that trusts people and values their choices.
The extension of flexi-jobs responds to a very concrete reality of the labour market and meets a demand from citizens. Many sectors are currently struggling to recruit. This reform gives them access to motivated workers who freely choose to get more involved.
With flexi-jobs, we reward work and autonomy. It's a win-win: employers can take on additional staff flexibly and cost-effectively, while workers and pensioners gain supplementary income if they wish. Our economy benefits from increased work volume and purchasing power."