THE TRIAL PERIOD

Abstract

This paper analyses the legal framework governing the trial period in the Portuguese legal system, with a focus on the changes introduced by the Labour Code, through Law nr. 93/2019, of September 4th. In particular, we will examine the decision of the Constitutional Court, expressed in Ruling nr. 318/2021, which partially declared unconstitutional the rule relating to first-time jobseekers and the long-term unemployed. Additionally, we will address the most recent changes introduced by Law nr. 13/2023, of April 3rd. Finally, after weighing up the positive and negative points of these changes, we will present a critical reflection and the conclusion of the study.