Fighting labor exploitation in traineeships: current issues and prospects for a regulatory reform

Abstract

This paper provides a critical analysis of the current Italian legal framework on traineeships, highlighting its strengths, remaining gaps, and the ongoing reform process. It examines the measures introduced by the 2022 Budget Law and the unresolved issues related to their implementation. Furthermore, it evaluates how the European Commission’s proposed Directive, together with the reinforced Council Recommendation, could impact the Italian system, particularly in terms of preventing abuse and strengthening the protection of young people entering the labour market.