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Kato Aerts
Belgium Employment Lawyer

Partner

Belgium

Lydian

+32 (0)3 304 90 01
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Kato's Profile
Kato's Media

Firm

Lydian

Main Office Address

Havenlaan 86c b113 - Avenue du Port, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Office Locations

Brussels, Antwerp and Hasselt

Firm Phone Number

+32 2 787 90 00

Firm Fax Number

+32 (2) 787 90 99

Firm Website

www.lydian.be

Kato Aerts is a partner in our Employment, Pensions and Benefits practice.

Specialist areas

Kato specializes in both individual and collective employment law in general and has a particular focus on international employment.

Background

Kato obtained her masters’ degree at the Katholieke Universiteit van Leuven (KU Leuven) (Leuven, Belgium). She was admitted to the Antwerp Bar in 2010 and obtained a degree in mediation in 2015. She joined Lydian as an Associate in 2015, bringing with her five years of experience with independent Belgian law firms.

Publications and speaking engagements

Kato regularly contributes to legal reviews and often teaches legal seminars. She is an active member of the Association Internationale des Jeunes Avocats (AIJA).

Distinctions

Elected as Vice-President of the AIJA in 2023

Legal 500 2024 - ranked as Next Generation Partner in Employment

Trends Legal Awards 2019 – Best law firm in social law

Firm Practice Areas

Commercial Law

Corporate

Dispute Resolution

Energy

Employment

Finance

Fraud and internal investigation

Health

Information Communication Technology

Information Governance & Data Protection

Insolvency and Restructuring

Insurance and Reinsurance

Intellectual Property (IP)

Life Science

Pensions

Ports & Logistics

Private Clients- Tax and Insurance

Private Equity & Venture Capital

Public & Administrative Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Developers & Investors

Regulated Markets & Market Regulators

Tax

Telecommunications, Media & Technology

Vlogs

08/01/2023

Employment Conditions and Increased Work-Life Balance in Belgium

The directive transparent and predictable working conditions was transposed in Belgium and requires employers to inform the employees on certain core employment conditions. Specifically for Belgium, other legislation has entered into force over the last year requiring an update of employment documentation (employment agreement and work rules), f.i. allowing employers and employees to agree on a 4-day work week.

Podcasts

03/20/2025

663: Immigration Updates in the UK

On today's episode, we discuss a new immigration development that impacts some nationalities travelling to the UK called the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA). Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Elaine McIlroy (email) & Erin McLafferty (email) (Brodies LLP / Scotland) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

02/12/2025

652: 2025 Employment Law Year in Review: Italy

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2024 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Francesca Pittau (email) & Michele Bignami (email) (ADVANT Nctm / Italy) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

07/23/2024

602: Recent French Elections and Business Impact

On July 7th, France held its national legislative election. On today's episode, we discuss the results of the election and what may be in store for the country. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Philippe Durand (email) (August Debouzy / France) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

05/16/2024

582: Travel Tuesdays: Doing Business in Belgium

In our Travel Tuesdays series, we explore the 'need to know' items for doing business in various jurisdictions around the world. This week, we take a closer look at Belgium. Stay tuned for more episodes! Host: Peter Walts (Employment Law Alliance / Global) Guest Speaker: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

05/14/2024

581: The New EU Artificial Intelligence Act

In this episode, we discuss the AI Act, which will significantly reshape how businesses and organizations in Europe use AI. HR professionals must comply with the Act's provisions to avoid penalties and ensure that employees are treated fairly. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: David van Boven (email) & Michael Hopp (email) (Plesner / Denmark) Register on the ELA w

03/21/2024

569: Immigration Updates in the United Kingdom

In this episode, we discuss some very significant immigration changes coming into force in April to one of the main visa routes in the UK used by employers to bring staff to work. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Elaine McIlroy (email) & Gregor Craig-Murphy (email) (Brodies LLP / Scotland) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future pr

02/29/2024

559: Non-Compete Clauses for Employees in France

In this episode, we discuss the main conditions for non-competes to be valid & binding in France, including legitimate interest for the employer & employee’s position, scope, duration & compensation. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Philippe Durand (email) (August Debouzy / France) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

02/21/2024

552: 2024 Employment Law Year in Review: Benelux

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2023 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host & Speaker: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Other Speakers: Alex Besters (email) (Boontje Advocaten & Mediators / Netherlands) & Philippe Schmit (email) (Arendt & Medernach / Luxembourg) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitat

01/25/2024

538: 2024 Employment Law Year in Review: Ireland

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2023 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Noeleen Meehan (email) (A&L Goodbody / Ireland) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

01/25/2024

539: 2024 Employment Law Year in Review: Northern Ireland

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2023 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Aisling Byrne (email) (A&L Goodbody / Ireland) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

01/23/2024

537: Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Starting January 1st, 2024, Belgium assumes the final rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. This ultimate presidency within the current institutional cycle will not be insignificant, as it aims to contribute to a smooth transition towards the next term. With the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 2024, Belgium has announced its ambition to facilitate the adoption of the 2024-2029 strategic program and to prepare discussions on the future of the European Union. S

05/23/2023

501: Immigration Considerations for Redundancy Situations in the UK

In this episode, we discuss the UK's point-based immigration system, where employers can register to obtain a sponsor license and then sponsor the visas for skilled employees who meet certain requirements. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Katie Good (email) & Moji Oyediran (email) (Travers Smith LLP / England & Wales) Register on the ELA website here to receive

03/31/2023

492: 2023 Employment Law Year in Review: Austria

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2022 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Christopher Peitsch (email) (Cerha Hempel / Austria) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

03/24/2023

486: 2023 Employment Law Year in Review: Benelux

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2022 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Philippe Durand (email) (August Debouzy / France) Guest Speakers: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium), Kim Meis (email) (Arendt & Medernach / Luxembourg) & Danny Vesters (email) (Boontje Advocaten / Netherlands) Register on the ELA website here t

03/16/2023

477: 2023 Employment Law Year in Review: Greece

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2022 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Kelly Papadaki (email) (Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm / Greece) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

03/15/2023

476: 2023 Employment Law Year in Review: The Baltics

Listen in as we discuss the most impactful employment law regulations of 2022 and forecast what employers can expect in the current year. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Hanna Pahk (email) (Ellex Raidla / Estonia), Iveta Ceple (email) (Ellex Klavins / Latvia) & Rimantas Stanevičius (email) (Ellex Valiunas / Lithuania) Register on the ELA website here to receive

03/08/2023

471: Gender Inequalities in Denmark

In honor of International Women's Day, we discuss gender and pay inequalities in Denmark. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Lise Høy Falsner (email) (Plesner / Denmark) Register on the ELA website here to receive email invitations to future programs.

02/17/2023

468: Employer of Record (EoR) in Germany

In this episode, we discuss an issue of growing importance for employers throughout Europe – the Employer of Record or EoR. Born out of corporate globalization and cross-border mobility, many international companies use EoR when they enter a market and start hiring staff. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Daniel Hund (email) (ADVANT Beiten / Germany) Register on t

06/30/2022

408: Workplace Investigations in England & Wales

In this episode, we discuss recent trends in workplace investigations in England & Wales, including the huge rise in the number of complaints. We also provide insight into important considerations before starting an investigation. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Adam Wyman (email) & Zoe Dearmer (email) (Travers Smith LLP / England & Wales) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

06/27/2022

405: The Importance of Neurodiversity in the United Kingdom Workplace

In this episode, we discuss what neurodiversity is, why there has been such an increase in neurodiversity employment claims in the UK, what protections neurodiverse employees have in the workplace, and more. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide.Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium)Guest Speaker: Aisling Byrne (email) (A&L Goodbody / Northern Ireland)Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

06/24/2022

404: Updates on Finnish Employment Privacy Regulation

In this episode, our guests share insights into the special features of Finnish employment privacy regulation, as well as hot topics and case law. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (email) (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Eija Warma-Lehtinen (email) & Ville Kukkonen (email) (Castrén & Snellman / Finland) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

04/28/2022

389: HR Policies in the Baltic States

In this episode, we provide updates on HR Policies in the Baltic States and share important insight about these policies that will be helpful to employers in these jurisdictions. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Hanna Pahk (Ellex Raidla / Estonia), Rimantas Stanevičius (Ellex Valiunas / Lithuania) & Ints Skaldis (Ellex Klavins / Latvia) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

04/25/2022

385: Cross-Border Employment in Switzerland

In this episode, we discuss what employers outside of Switzerland need to consider when hiring remote workers inside Switzerland. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Thomas Kälin (MLL Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Froriep Ltd / Switzerland) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

03/23/2022

373: Germany's Three-Party Coalition Agreement and Legislative Projects of the New German Government

Germany's new federal government has summarized its various plans for the next legislative period in a comprehensive coalition agreement. In this episode, we discuss what major new regulations can be expected, including the new minimum wage, home office obligations, and fixed-term employment. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Markus Künzel (ADVANT Beiten / Germany) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

03/18/2022

371: Belgium's New Labour Deal and Its Implications for Employers

Belgium recently announced a new labour deal aimed at providing more flexibility for employees and employers as well, and ensuring more people have access to a workable job so they can participate in the labour market. In this episode, we provide insights about this new agreement, some recent developments since it was reached a few weeks ago, and considerations on the future of labour and employment matters in Belgium. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide.Host: Michaela Felisiak (ADVANT Beiten / Germany)Guest Speaker: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

03/16/2022

370: The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and What It Means for Employers

As our world continues to become more and more digitized, issues and concerns over privacy and protection continue to become elevated as well. Protecting individuals and their personal data has become a priority for many countries. In this episode, we provide updates on the current effects and results of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, as well as insights on the progress and challenges that lie ahead. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Jackie Mallia (GVZH Advocates / Malta) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

03/09/2022

367: Competition Restriction Regulations in the Baltic States

In this episode, we discuss how non-competition restrictions impact employment relationships in the Baltic states. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Host: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Hanna Pahk (Ellex Raidla / Estonia), Rimantas Stanevičius (Ellex Valiunas / Lithuania) & Iveta Ceple (Ellex Klavins / Latvia) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

01/27/2022

348: Employment Law Developments Impacting the Gig Workforce in Sweden

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of the gig economy as they relate to Sweden, whether there is a risk of a misclassification or reclassification and more. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Also register now to view our on-demand webinar on the gig economy in Europe. Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Åsa Gotthardsson (Vinge / Sweden) Visit the ELA website at www.ela.law.

12/15/2021

332: Employment Law Developments Impacting the Gig Workforce in Hungary

In this episode, we discuss what the gig economy is, the pros and cons as they relate to Hungary, and expected new rules for the country. Stay tuned to Employment Matters for more podcasts on this topic from other European jurisdictions. Also register now to view our on-demand webinar on the gig economy in Europe. Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Eszter Bohati (CERHA HEMPEL / Hungary)

12/14/2021

330: Employment Law Developments Impacting the Gig Workforce in Malta and Serbia

In this episode, we discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of the 'gig economy' model in Malta and Serbia. We also learn more about misclassification of independent contractors and equal pay rules. Stay tuned to Employment Matters for more podcasts on this topic from other European jurisdictions. Also register now to view our on-demand webinar on the Gig Economy in Europe. Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speakers: Marko Repic (Doklestic Repic & Gajin / Serbia) & Ann Bugeja (GVZH Advocates / Malta)

12/10/2021

328: Employment Law Developments Impacting the Gig Workforce in Belgium and France

In this episode, we discuss the different employment rights for employees and self-employed workers in Belgium and France, who can challenge an individual’s employment status, market trends and emerging issues in relation to the gig economy, and more. Stay tuned to Employment Matters for more podcasts on this topic from other European jurisdictions. Also register now for our webinar on December 14th on the Gig Economy in Europe. Moderator: Michaela Felisiak (ADVANT Beiten / Germany) Guest Speakers: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) & Philippe Durand (August Debouzy / France)

11/12/2021

316: Employment Status of Uber Drivers and Other Platform Workers in the Netherlands

In this episode, we focus on platform work in the Netherlands, which is a new form of employment on which the legislator has not yet expressed an explicit view. In particular, we discuss the employment status of Uber drivers, especially compared to taxi drivers. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide.Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)Guest Speakers: Danny Vesters & Suzan van der Meer (Boontje Advocaten / Netherlands)

11/03/2021

311: “3G” Rule in Austria: What Does It Mean for the Workplace?

In this episode, we discuss new legislation from Austria, specifically the "3G" rule for the workplace. We describe what the rule entails, as well as obligations for employees and employers. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Christopher Peitsch (CERHA HEMPEL / Austria)

10/21/2021

306: Collective Redundancy Programs in France

In this episode, we discuss the different procedures applicable to collective redundancy in France, which is dependent on the number of employees in a company. We also discuss the information and consultation obligations. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Laure Hosni (August Debouzy / France)

10/19/2021

Travel Tuesdays: Doing Business in Belgium

In our new Travel Tuesdays series, we explore the 'need to know' items for doing business in various jurisdictions around the world. This week, we take a closer look at Belgium and New Jersey. Moderator: Peter Walts (Employment Law Alliance / Global) Guest Speaker: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)

09/13/2021

Episode 287: Managing Business in Italy through the Ban on Terminations

In this episode, we discuss how the Italian government dealt with the pandemic to protect employers and employees, the ban on terminations, special measures taken by the government and more. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide.Moderator: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)Guest Speaker: Michele Bignami (Nctm Studio Legale / Italy)

07/20/2021

Episode 20: The Future of Work in the United Kingdom and Europe

In this episode, we discuss remote work in the UK and Europe in general. We also chat about the right to disconnect, and what this means for employers. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Moderators: Philippe Durand (August Debouzy / France) & Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium) Guest Speaker: Michael Leftley (Addleshaw Goddard / England & Wales)

12/08/2020

Episode 6: Remote Working and Temporary Unemployment in Belgium

In this episode, we discuss remote working in Belgium, temporary unemployment and recent employment legislation updates. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Speakers: Michaela Felisiak (Beiten Burkhardt / Germany) & Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)

12/08/2020

Episode 198: Remote Working and Temporary Unemployment in Belgium

From Employment Matters - Europe: In this episode, we discuss remote working in Belgium, temporary unemployment and recent employment legislation updates. Subscribe to our podcast today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Speakers: Michaela Felisiak (Beiten Burkhardt / Germany) & Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)

04/30/2020

Episode 148: COVID-19 in Europe: Updates from Belgium

In this COVID-19 update, learn about the status of the pandemic in Belgium, including the semi-lockdown currently in place. Listen to tips for employers regarding employment law, and important information about fiscal relief measures. Subscribe today to stay up to date on employment issues from law experts worldwide. Speakers: Kato Aerts (Lydian / Belgium)

Webinars

February 8-10, 2022

Europe: 2022 Employment Law Year in Review Series

Join us for an exciting series discussing the most impactful employment law changes in Europe in 2021 and what employers can anticipate for 2022. Register now!

Wednesday, May 7, 2020

COVID-19 @ Work: Economic Recovery Efforts Across Europe

Join us as legal experts across Eastern, Western and the Nordic regions of the continent discuss next steps for employers getting back to work. We will explore cost cutting measures, teleworking during the de-escalation period, privacy aspects, and other plans to bring employees back to work in this region. Register today!

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Employment Law in Europe: A Year in Review

This labor and employment webinar presents an overview of key employment laws as well as identifies issues which will be paramount in the upcoming year for European corporations or multinational companies doing business in Europe.

June 19, 2018

Sexual Harassment Among the Global Workforce: An HR Law Perspective in Europe

We have gathered a panel of European HR Law experts to discuss the survey statistics on sexual harassment in the workplace and to educate participants on applicable laws and case-law precedents.

Kato AertsBelgium Employment Lawyer

Partner

Lydian

Specialist areas

Background

Publications and speaking engagements

Distinctions

Vlogs

Podcasts

Webinars

Kato Aerts
Belgium Employment Lawyer