Benin - Employer of Record (EOR)

A probationary period of up to 3 months is allowed.

Employers may terminate a worker for a valid reason, including:

• worker health
• inability to hold employment
• competence or conduct
• changes in the organization or technology
• economic hardship or closure of the company

If the employer dismisses the employee on personal grounds, the employer must notify the employee in writing and include the reasons for termination. The labour inspector must also be notified in writing.

Notice periods are as follows:

• Hourly employees are entitled to 15 days’ notice.
• Employees, workers, and laborers are entitled to one month of notice.
• Supervisors and executives are entitled to 3 months’ notice.
• Employees on notice may spend 2 days per week looking for a new job.

Employees are entitled to severance pay. The amount depends on length of service:

First 5 years of employment–30% of average monthly salary

6-10 years of service–35% of average monthly salary

10+ years of service–40% of average monthly salary

An employee terminated for gross negligence is not generally entitled to severance pay.

Employees contribute 3.6% of salary to social security.

Employers contribute 15.4% of gross salary to social security, 6.4% for pension and 9% for family allowance, plus an additional 1%-4% for industrial injury assistance.