A raft of new laws and amendments to existing legislation come into effect on July 1. Here is a round-up.

1. The minimum wage for adults over the age of 23 goes up by six euros to €1,507.80.

2. People with temporary employment contracts have more rights. For example, they have the right to a permanent contract after two years, rather than three.

3. Redundancy pay calculations change. From now on, people will be entitled to one-third of their monthly salary in compensation for every year worked, plus 50% of a month’s salary per year for people who have been employed for over 10 years. Redundancy pay is maximised at €75,000 or one year’s salary for higher earners.

4. People claiming unemployment benefit (ww) have to accept any job they are offered after six months on benefits.

5. People who work while claiming ww will be allowed to keep 30 cents of every euro they earn. The government hopes this will stimulate more jobless people to work.

6. The national mortgage guarantee only covers mortgages up to €245,000. Next January it will be cut again to €225,000.

7. Rent-controlled property will be more expensive. Rents may rise by at least 2.5% but could go up by 5% if tenants earn more than €43,786.

8. Value-added tax on home improvements and gardening goes up from 6% to 21%.

9. Computer hackers can be jailed for up to five years if they cause ‘serious damage’ to essential networks. Hackers who steal information face two years in jail.

10. People who are concerned about particular issues or draft legislation can collect 300,000 signatures to force the government to hold an advisory referendum. The result of the referendum is not binding.

11. The fine for failing to declare hidden income and foreign bank accounts goes up from 30% of the amount to 60% if the beneficiary reports the extra income voluntarily. If the tax office finds out you are cheating, the fine rises to up to 300%.

12. Self-driving cars can be tested on public roads.

13. Companies which use drones need a special certificate to do so.

14. Death notices can be published digitally.

Sources: Nos, ANP