Final answer:
Employers must adhere to labour standards unless exempted by the government or under a collective agreement. Labour standards influence employment practices, as seen in French companies avoiding higher employee counts that trigger more regulations. These standards cover a range of worker protections, including minimum wages and anti-discrimination measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Employers must follow labour standards legislated by the jurisdiction in which their employees work unless they are exempted by the government or they have a collective agreement with the employees. The size of the business, such as being a small business with less than 10 employees, or not being aware of the labour standards, does not exempt an employer from following these regulations. Labour standards are designed to protect workers and are often mandatory, although specific exceptions, such as government exemptions or collective bargaining agreements, can alter the standard requirements. These standards include setting minimum hourly wages, prohibiting child labor, and preventing workplace discrimination.
Labour laws can impact hiring practices—as seen in the example of France, where the threshold of 50 employees brings additional requirements for businesses such as creating worker councils and introducing profit sharing. This can incentivize companies to keep their employee numbers below certain thresholds to avoid the increased costs associated with these laws. Understanding these labor legislations and their implications on employment is crucial for a fair and functional labor market.