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Advisory: India Labour Codes—what is coming in 2026 for India-based vendors & freelancers

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There are labour code changes taking place in 2026 for India-based firms, and we wanted to make sure you were kept apprised of these impacts. These changes could impact firms or freelancers you work with that are based in India, or, like Westchester, with operations that your suppliers own in India.

The Government of India has announced the implementation of four consolidated Labour Codes. Detailed central and state rules are still being finalized, and our current understanding is that further rule‑drafting and public feedback will continue into early 2026, with the expectation of becoming fully operational by April 1, 2026.

Key points:

  • What’s changing: India has consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes (Wages; Social Security; Industrial Relations; Occupational Safety/Health/Working Conditions).
  • Why this matters to you: Depending on how the forthcoming rules land, India-based vendors and freelancers may experience cost changes that could affect their service fees.
  • Potential cost drivers to watch:

– A unified ‘wages’ definition that can affect statutory contributions and benefits.

– Overtime pay set at 2× normal wages and clarified working-hour caps (e.g., 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week).

– Gratuity eligibility for fixed-term employees after 1 year (instead of 5).

– Expanded social-security coverage (e.g., pan-India ESIC eligibility) and mandatory appointment letters.

– Provide all workers above the age of 40 years with a free annual health check-up.

  • What we know—and don’t yet: Until the detailed rules are published and analyzed, the full cost impacts are uncertain.

If you rely on multiple India-based vendors or freelancers, we recommend asking them about their plans to comply with the new regime and any expected pricing impacts.

Our commitment: At Westchester, we have always been committed to following fair labour practices, as well as providing competitive compensation and benefits to our India-based team members. We will, of course, comply with any labour code changes and keep you appraised of any impact to Westchester‑based fees.

UPDATE – February 19, 2026: In response to information we understand is present in the market, we want to add a clarification to this article. Some publishers are evaluating ADA Title II from the lens of whether they are a public institution themselves or not, which you should discuss this with your legal counsel. Depending on your organization’s structure, different rules may apply in principle (e.g. a private university-associated publisher may be more directly tied to Title III, but if they accept any federal money for research or other factors, the HHS 504 code that is similar to ADA Title II applies).  Regardless of a publisher’s own structure, though (non-profit, private company, public company, etc.), part of what is driving ADA Title II compliance needs – as covered in our recent podcast – is that library markets are in many cases required or opting to comply with ADA Title II, making this more about complying with the needs of library buyers for publishers of any type. Again, this should be discussed with your legal counsel, but we hope this clarification provides some further consideration about how best to approach ADA Title II within your workflow.

The following information is not a substitute for legal advice. We are providing this analysis for publishing professionals about what has been shared in the public sphere. You should consult with your own legal counsel to make decisions appropriate for your situation.

In April, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a new rule titled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities.” This rule clarifies and strengthens the requirements for accessibility of digital content under ADA Title II, specifically targeting state and local government websites, mobile applications, and conventional electronic documents. It becomes effective April 24, 2026, with agencies serving less than 50,000 people receiving an additional year to comply.

What does this mean for you, as a publisher? If you serve library markets, or other markets that comply with ADA guidelines, you should ensure that your content (specifically digital files for your publications – but also other media like parental support materials and HTML files used directly in those channels) comply with these guidelines.

Key Requirements

Similar to the requirements for the EU’s European Accessibility Act (EAA), the rule mandates compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard for all covered digital content, including:

– Websites
– Mobile apps
– Conventional electronic documents such as PDFs, word processor files, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Certain content is exempt from these requirements, including:

– Archived documents
– Preexisting conventional electronic documents, including common file formats like PDFs, Word documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
– Content posted by third parties not acting on behalf of the government

While EPUB files are not explicitly mentioned in the list of covered formats, the Department of Justice notes that files in formats not listed may qualify for exceptions such as archiving or preexisting files. However, this implies that EPUB files should ideally meet ADA accessibility standards if actively provided.

Challenges in Compliance

Common obstacles to achieving full compliance include:

– Resistance to moving away from traditional formats like PDFs in particular platforms
– Limited financial resources to remediate existing documents
– Lack of empowerment or authority among web staff to enforce accessibility standards
– Difficulty securing senior management buy-in

How can you be prepared?

The new ADA Title II rule underscores the importance of digital accessibility and aims to hold state and local governments accountable for compliance. To meet these requirements by the enforcement deadline, publishers and content providers – again with input from their legal counsel – should:

– Conduct thorough audits of websites, mobile apps, and electronic documents
– Develop remediation plans aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
– Engage leadership to secure necessary resources and support
– Empower web and content teams with training and authority to implement changes

For additional guidance and best practices, the U.S. Access Board’s 508 Best Practices Webinar (September 16, 2025) offers valuable insights into effective compliance strategies. This recent webinar hosted by Ingram Content Group, and featuring speakers from Benetech, VitalSource, consultant Laura Brady, and Westchester Publishing Services provides practical guidance for publishers and is worth viewing.

Let Westchester know what we can do to help. Contact Us to discuss your publications program, with options for accessible-first content on new titles from editorial through to production, to standalone digital conversion and remediation services. We are here to help!

With the 2025 holiday season fully upon us, now is the ideal time for Westchester’s colleagues to share the books we are gifting or hope to receive in the closing weeks of the year. Some of the book selections also include interesting tidbits of literary lore or a favorite independent bookstore that you can purchase these and many other titles from to round out your shopping list.

To learn more about any of the titles below, clicking on the cover images will bring you to the IndieBound powered by Bookshop.org site. Happy holidays and happy reading!

cover image for Bog Queen by Anna NorthBog Queen
Author: Anna North
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Why I want to gift this book:

I have found the book I will be buying in bulk and sharing this holiday season. On a recent trip to New Paltz, NY to shop in the amazing book shops there, I came across this title at Literally Books (New Paltz’s newest book shop, located in the historic Water Street Market). The Bog Queen is evocative of what makes New Paltz such a wonderful town to explore – it’s a blend of history, mystery, the rational, and the mystical. Two stories play side by side with one another throughout the book – the tragic death of a female druid in Roman-era England and the forensic research by a modern-day woman who is tasked with evaluating the archaeological discovery of the 2,000-year-old victim. For lovers of The Detectorists, Midsomer Murders, or The Wicker Man, this book will resonate.

headshot of a man wearing a blue blazer over sweater and collared shirtShared by: Tyler M. Carey, Chief Revenue Officer

Favorite Independent Bookstore: Literally Books, New Paltz, NY

 

hardcover image for Best Offer WinsBest Offer Wins
Author: Marissa Kashino
Publisher: Celadon Books (Imprint of Macmillan, a Westchester client)

Why I want to receive this book:

I would love to receive this book because it was highly discussed during my time at the NYU Publishing program during its pre-release. I had the privilege of attending two dedicated marketing sessions, led by Jennifer Jackson, Executive Director of Marketing at Celadon/Macmillan, which used this book as a central example. Her enthusiasm—combined with the book’s thrilling premise—makes me very excited for it. As a non-fiction reader, I would be eager to use this opportunity to dive into the thriller genre. I’m also very interested in how Kashino is going to make me root for her main character, who seemingly becomes more of an antagonist throughout the novel’s duration.

headshot of a woman with light brown, chin-length hair wearing a black and white tanktopShared by: Alli DeMan, Account Manager

Favorite Independent Bookstore: Pickwick Book Shop, Nyack, NY

 

hardcover image for Yellowface by Rebecca KuangYellowface
Author: Rebecca F. Kuang
Publisher: The Borough Press

Why I want to gift this book:

I read this book recently and it’s the first book I’ve read in a long time that I’ve found utterly compelling and absorbing, so I would love to gift this experience to another bookworm! The writing is so sharp, precise, and economical; it feels like nothing is wasted. The story is well paced and keeps twisting and turning. The fact that it’s about the publishing world is fascinating too. I found myself wondering how many of the details in the story would be reflected in the publication of this very book!

Shared by: Estelle Lloyd, Senior Project Manager, Westchester Publishing Services UK

 

hardcover image for 1776 by David McCullough1776
Author: David McCullough
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Why I want to gift this book:

My daughters have become huge fans of the Broadway show Hamilton. After endless hours of listening to them sing along to the soundtrack, I mentioned to my oldest daughter that she should read 1776. She decided to borrow the book from her school library, and I would like to get a copy to add to my personal library so she and I can discuss it.

MelodyShared by: Melody Negron, Production Supervisor

 

 

Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Puzzles and Games of the Broadway Legend
Author: Barry Joseph
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Why I want to gift this book:

I’m giving this book to my wife who is a passionate fan of Sondheim, and also loves games and puzzles. This book looks like the perfect intersection of her interests. Bonus, the author is also speaking at our local library next month!

Shared by: JodieAnne Sclafani, Director, Central Services

Favorite independent bookstore: Binnacle Books, Beacon, NY

 

While none of my family is from Iceland, we’ve embraced their Christmas tradition called Jólabókaflóð (Jolabokaflod, or the “Christmas Book Flood”)—honestly, I think it’s the best part of the holiday season!

A Flower Traveled in My Blood
Author: Haley Cohen Gilliland
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

On the gifting side, I’m looking forward to giving A Flower Traveled in My Blood. It’s a heartbreaking account of stolen children in Argentina during the late 1970s, but also a powerful testament to the strength and determination of the grandmothers (abuelas) who fought for justice. I know some members of my family will appreciate this true story—tragic yet deeply inspiring.

 

hardcover image for The Peepshow: The Murders at Rillington Place by Kate SummerscaleThe Peepshow: The Murders at Rillington Place
Author: Kate Summerscale
Publisher: Penguin Random House

I have several titles on my wish list, but the one I’m really hoping to unwrap is The Peepshow: The Murders at Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale (Penguin Random House). I love a good true crime story, and this one is set in London in 1953, exploring whether the authorities convicted the wrong smiling woman with wavy, chin length hair wearing eyeglasses, a necklace and a dark, collared blouse.person. Summerscale dives into the archives to shed new light on this chilling case, and I can’t wait to read her perspective and discoveries.

Shared by: Deb Taylor, President

 

Hardcover image for The American Revolution, An Intimate History by Geoffrey Ward and Ken BurnsThe American Revolution, An Intimate History
Author: Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns
Publisher: Knopf

Why I want to gift this book: I’ve been watching the documentary film series this book is the companion for, and it provides a deeper context to historical events that shaped the foundational years of the United States’ existence through the inclusion of first-hand recollections from individuals whose names haven’t been part of the narrative before now. This gorgeous, coffee-table sized book (all five pounds of it!) is thoroughly researched by historian Geoffrey C. Ward, and is filled with full-color images that beautifully supplement the writing. The person I purchased this for is a history buff, so I’m looking forward to seeing their delighted expression when they unwrap this.

Nicole TomassiShared by: Nicole Tomassi, Marketing & Conference Manager

 

 

cover image for Wild Swans by Jung ChangWild Swans: Three Daughters of China
Author: Jung Chang
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Why I want to gift this book: I am reading the sequel right now (Fly, Wild Swans) and realised that my daughter has not read the original book. I think it is a seminal piece that brings China’s twentieth-century history alive through the story of 3 generations of women, including the author’s own experience. Poignant to give this as a gift to my daughter.

Julie Willis, River EditorialShared by: Julie Willis, Director, Editorial and Production, Westchester Publishing Services UK

 

Additional links:

New York Public Library Top 2025 checkouts: https://www.nypl.org/blog/2025/12/16/top-checkouts-nyc-boroughs

Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2025

Literary Hub Ultimate Best Books of 2025 List – A compilation of 58 best-of lists from 49 outlets, including Kirkus, Powells, The New York Times, Shelf Awareness, and many more

 

IPG conference banner for September 16, 2025, with Westchester logo in lower right hand cornerAs always, the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) put on a stellar Autumn Conference at the Shaw Theatre in London, on Tuesday, September 16. Westchester staff Dan Verdick (Director, Client Solutions) and Tyler M. Carey (Chief Revenue Officer) represented us at the conference. Tyler also moderated a panel on accessibility – “Publishers’ Journeys in Accessibility” which featured speakers Achim Bosse Chitty, Divisional Head of Production at Bloomsbury Publishing, Megan Taylor, Partnerships Manager from Boydell & Brewer, James Woollam, Managing Director of David & Charles Publishing, and digital publishing consultant, Simon Mellins.

At the end of this post, we provide links to articles with soup to nuts coverage of the event. Here are several important observations from Dan and Tyler’s feet-on-the-ground vantage point:

Tyler shared, “Publishers seemed to be carrying more stress and concern at this event than we saw at London Book Fair and some of the intervening summer get togethers across the markets we serve. There was an emphasis on managing costs in many of our discussions with prospective partners and clients. A potential pathway to achieve this is through the use of AI, where the client’s IP is protected in walled gardens and the use cases are repeatable and consistent. One publisher, for instance, was very curious to discuss use cases Westchester has for AI on alt text and other compliance requirements for accessibility – but they volunteered they were less comfortable with the idea of using AI for copyediting, proofreading, and anything where language and style may need to be more rigorous across a larger piece of content than how a brief alt text entry is crafted. Dan and I also chatted with several publishers who were exceptionally bullish on using AI throughout their operation – with content as well as routinized tasks that they see as having high potential to be automated through AI. The hope for some publishers in the latter group is that they can leverage AI as a tool to help manage the headwinds of increased manufacturing costs while also maintaining current staffing levels and growing their current list sizes.”

podium with a microphone and banner for IPG behind it. To left of podium a man in a blue pullover and blue blazer is speaking and holding a half-full glass of water in his right hand.Dan’s conversations with our clients and prospects opened up a lot of dialogue about EPUB accessibility. “Westchester’s hosting the panel on accessibility drove booth traffic and dialogue about our processes for remediating and converting ePubs. As a Benetech GCA-certified vendor, we are externally audited each year to ensure we’re providing as high a level of quality and service in creating accessible EPUB files as possible. Discussions about alt text, language shift tagging, and speed of conversion and remediation were plentiful, as well as our ability to scale up for larger batches of titles to be made accessible. I give a lot of credit to our panelists for being transparent about their successes and struggles on this front, and for the ongoing discussions about making sure there’s a plan for key backlist and more.”

The “Make GEO Work for You” session offered a fascinating discussion of Generative Engine Optimisation, the latest buzz-worthy acronym for discoverability and content management in the AI-driven “next Internet,” where bots crawl the Web looking for vulnerable content they can scrape, and where Web visitors and clicks may be bots, too. Lead by George Walkley, the session’s panel debated the balance between gatekeeping content vs. having enough content for AI and search engines to find and learn more for a human searcher’s needs, and other aspects of content in a GEO online space. “Auditing your content’s digital footprint and further steps were discussed,” Dan added. “And for journals publishers, there was also extensive discussion of the risks for content that is available for AI-driven engines and what subscribers may be accessing as well.” To learn more about AI and GEO, George is a panelist for BISG’s September 30 webinar, “AI and Ethics in the Book Industry” which will discuss frameworks, strategies, and real-world lessons on navigating AI’s promise and its pitfalls.

A group of four people standing on a brick sidewalk outside a building in London.
l to r: Dan Verdick, Rebecca Durose-Croft, Emma Hudson, Tyler M. Carey

In addition to the trade and academic publishing discussions which took place at IPG, Westchester’s UK-based education team, Managing Director Rebecca Durose-Croft and Content Director Emma Hudson, joined Dan and Tyler to visit key edtech and education publishing customers in the UK to discuss the latest trends in these spaces. “Helping publishers deal with any and all changes in today’s world, from CEID reviews of content for today’s learners, to changing format needs for online content, were part of our customer discussions,” Dan added. “Our team discussed a range of needs UK publishers have in markets they serve around the world, and how adapting to the almost daily changes in educational publishing are vital to success and growth during what is an uncertain time in some education markets.”

For more coverage about the IPG Autumn Conference and session content, you can read this article in The Bookseller and several posts from Bookbrunch, including this article (login or subscription may be required to both sites). The IPG did a phenomenal job bringing the British publishing industry together to talk about the pressures on small and mid-sized publishers, opportunities for addressing those challenges, and providing excellent professional development for everyone attending. We’re looking forward to seeing our friends and colleagues at the next IPG event.

As your plans take shape with your 2026 lists, talk with us about solutions we provide to make your workflow more effective and increase speed to market for your titles.

On Wednesday, May 21, Westchester Publishing Services sponsored the IPG Summer Summit virtual event. The day featured several sessions covering tariffs, metadata, marketing, and accessibility. A full day, indeed!

Westchester’s Chief Revenue Officer Tyler Carey moderated the panel on accessibility, which featured panelists Julie Willis (Editorial Director and Systems Lead from Westchester, speaking on behalf of an absent client), Eileen Reilly (Digital Production Manager at Princeton University Press), and Michael Johnson (Vice President of Content from Benetech).

The IPG will be sharing the slides and video shortly, and we’ll update this blog post with those assets once they are available. But in the interim, here are the key topics that were covered:

  • The EAA deadline is approaching fast – June 28, 2025!
  • Julie and Eileen talked about the steps that two IPG-member presses are taking to prepare, including:
    • Evaluating all of the titles in your backlist in your ONIX feed and sales data, with a consideration towards remediation costs in mind. Titles that have high sales volume are being remediated first, but documenting decisions and future plans by title is also important. If a title is challenged for inaccessibility, being able to provide documentation regarding the accessibility plan for that title is a strategy that some publishers are taking to minimise risk.
    • Setting up author guidelines for the creation of alt text – like these ones on Princeton University Press’ site – is a key step to bringing accessibility into the process early on a frontlist title, and giving authors agency to write or influence the alt text of their content. Julie talked about the importance of this – especially on academic titles that go through peer review – as the author holds responsibility for the content in many cases.
    • Joining PAAG, DAISY, and Benetech’s GCA program, so that you have access to up-to-date information on accessibility practices and legislation.
  • Michael shared Benetech’s approach to accessibility, and answered questions on topics including:
    • Alt text – Michael shared guidance on the different needs for different use cases for an image. An image of the Eiffel Tower in a cookbook on crêpes might be decorative, and could be labelled as such. In a travel guide for Paris the same image might merit a description of the Eiffel Tower for a reader having the text read aloud to them. For a book on engineering, the same image might bear an alt text entry about its construction from iron instead of steel, augmenting what is in the text through a description of the Eiffel Tower’s structure itself.
    • Language shift tagging – this topic has been coming up more and more often for publishers exploring the requirements for WCAG AA standards, as they try to get ahead of the baseline level A standards inferred to be required for the EAA. Michael talked to how casual use terms and place names do not need to be tagged, but passages and alternating dialogue in different languages, as examples, should be tagged.
  • Lastly, best practices to really understand and embrace accessibility were discussed, including the recommendation to download Thorium or another accessible reading software, so that you can have your EPUB files read aloud to you to better understand the end user’s experience. Between this process and auditing ACE by DAISY reports on your titles, you will be better equipped to have quality accessible EPUB files that don’t just meet standards but also address the needs of end users.

Stay tuned for more accessibility information from Westchester, and please do visit our online repository of accessibility information, including this white paper.