This essay has been anonymously peer-reviewed by a referee selected by the editors. Submitted: 2014-04-11; Accepted: 2014-04-25; Published: 2014-05-08.

The paper aims to provide first evaluations of the measures introduced by the Law n. 92/2012, with the aim of reducing the costs of dismissal for firms and speeding up judicial procedures. The available evidence, although limited and preliminary, seems to indicate a partial reduction of the application of reinstatement protection and a partial acceleration of the judgments on individual dismissals. However, it also highlights the existence of critical aspects that may limit the effectiveness of the measures adopted and – in some cases – increase the complexity of the system. In particular, there is an increase in the uncertainty of the regulatory framework, since the presence of conflicting interpretations of the judges on extremely significant aspects. In addition, there are frequent duplications of proceedings, resulting in more burdensome labour justice.