COUNTRY

In Togo, the employment contract can be either oral or written. A written contract that identifies the key terms of employment is recommended. Some contracts must be in writing. A written contract should include the identity of the worker, date the work started, the professional classification, the agreed base salary, and the duration of the contract.

The standard workweek in Togo is 40 hours over six days a week. The maximum hours of work each day is eight hours. Overtime can be performed in exceptional circumstances and must be authorized. Individual employment contacts or collective agreements generally determine the rate and terms of overtime performed during the day or night, public holidays, and days of rest.

Employees receive up to six months of sick leave in Togo. Individual employment contracts and collective agreements may provide for more favorable sick leave benefits.

Female employees receive 14 weeks of maternity leave in Togo. Up to eight weeks can be taken before birth. It can be extended by three weeks in the event of a pregnancy-related illness.

Employers in Togo are not required to pay employees bonuses.

Employees in Togo are entitled to paid annual leave of two and a half days per month of service. Individual employment contracts or collective agreements can give employees more vacation days.

In Togo, the public holidays are:

• New Year

• Easter Monday

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Eid al-Fitr

• Ascension Day

• Whit Monday

• Day of the Martyrs

• Tabaski

• Assumption of Mary

• All Saints' Day

• Christmas Day

Togo provides universal healthcare but private healthcare is recommended.

Employment contracts in Togo may be terminated by consent, by the employer or by the employee. Both parties are required to give a notice of termination or payment in lieu of notice. The notice period is between 15 days and three months but may vary depending on the individual employment contract or collective agreement. Severance is between 35% and 45% of the employee’s monthly salary per year of service.