Whom does the law apply to?

The Code applies to all employees and employers in establishments, i.e., workplaces carrying on any industry, trade, business, manufacture or occupation, including Government offices^{(( Section 2(m), Code on Wages, 2019.))}. However, the provisions on payment of wages and bonus do not apply to Government establishments unless the concerned Government makes them applicable through a notification.

Employee^{(( Section 2(k), Code on Wages, 2019.))}

An employee is anyone who an establishment employs and pays wages to do work for hire or reward (this includes Government employees). It does not matter whether the terms of employment are clearly stated (like in a contract) or just implied.

The nature of the work could be:

• Skilled
• Semi-skilled or unskilled
• Manual
• Operational
• Supervisory
• Managerial
• Administrative
• Technical
• Clerical

The following people are not considered employees:

• Members of the Indian Armed Forces
• Apprentice engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961
• People hired on a retainership basis

Employer^{(( Section 2(l), Code on Wages, 2019.))}

An employer is someone who employs at least one employee in their establishment. It does not matter whether they employ the person directly or through anyone else, or employ someone on behalf of another person.

A legal representative of a deceased employer is also an employer.