Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it? · Italy

Direct answer

Whether you are owed severance depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and your length of service — a legal minimum in many countries, a collective agreement in others, and sometimes only what you negotiate. What is common everywhere: get the calculation in writing, do not sign a waiver, and check before the deadline. Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL) (cgil.it) knows the collective agreement and calculates for members; Tribunale — sezione lavoro (impugnazione licenziamento) (giustizia.it) enforces an unpaid severance like unpaid wages; Patrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati) (consiglionazionaleforense.it) gives free advice if you are not a member.

Call firstSindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL)

Report toTribunale — sezione lavoro (impugnazione licenziamento)

If that failsPatrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati)

🗣️ What to say

"My employment ended on [date] after [years] of service by [dismissal / redundancy]. Under [law / collective agreement] I am entitled to severance of [amount / formula]. Please pay it with the final salary and send the calculation in writing."

🪜 Step by step

Find the basisLaw, collective agreement or contract. Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL) tells you in one call which applies and the formula.
Ask for the calculationYears of service, salary basis, any caps. Errors are common — in the employer's favour.
Do not sign a waiverA settlement can include severance; a "final settlement" form can waive it. Read before signing.
Unpaid: Tribunale — sezione lavoro (impugnazione licenziamento)Payment order or labour court, like unpaid wages. Short deadlines after the end of employment.
Tax and benefitSeverance may be taxed favourably and may delay unemployment benefit; ask before you agree the timing.

📇 All contacts

Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL)Advice and legal support at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.cgil.it

Tribunale — sezione lavoro (impugnazione licenziamento)Contesting dismissal within 60 days, labour claimsWithin 60 days of the dismissal🔗 www.giustizia.it

Patrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati)Free lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.consiglionazionaleforense.it

Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL)Request for intervention, inspections, enforcement noticeAs soon as the wages are late🔗 www.ispettorato.gov.it

❓ Frequently asked

I was on a fixed-term contract

End of a fixed term is not a dismissal, but some countries pay a fixed-term premium or end-of-contract indemnity. Ask Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL).

They say I was dismissed for misconduct

Serious misconduct removes severance in many countries — which is why employers allege it. Contest the ground; see the dismissal page.

Redundancy: is there a minimum?

In most countries yes, by years of service; collective agreements often add more, and a social plan more still.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“severance pay calculation Italy”
“am i entitled to severance”
“redundancy pay minimum Italy”
“severance not paid what to do”
“severance tax unemployment benefit”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Italy

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · ItalyElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Italy, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

💰 Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it?