<h1>New Unified Labour Codes Overhaul Wages, Social Security, Safety and Compliance, Extending Protections to Gig and Platform Workers</h1> The government has notified and brought into force four consolidated Labour Codes - on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety, health and working conditions - replacing 29 prior statutes with a unified framework. Key legal changes include universal statutory minimum wages and timely payment, mandatory appointment letters, expanded social security (including PF, ESIC, insurance) to all workers such as gig and platform workers, and equal benefits for fixed-term employees. The Codes introduce national floor wages, gender-neutral policies, extended ESIC coverage including hazardous units, and enhanced protections for women and older workers. They also create streamlined registration and compliance mechanisms, an Inspector-cum-Facilitator model, specialised tribunals for faster dispute resolution, and a National OSH Board to standardise safety norms.