The recitals of the Directive state its purpose is the protection of employees, in the interests of ‘balanced economic and social development’.
It makes reference to the Charter of Social Rights for Workers 1989.
In the United Kingdom, the relevant implementing legislation is found in the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Under section 166 any employee may lodge a claim with the National Insurance Fund for outstanding wages.
In Italy, the Directive gave rise to Francovich v Italy[1] on the principle of member state liability for non-implementation of EU law.