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Tripartite Discusses Prolongation of Unemployment Benefit
Monday 23 November 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, November 23 (TASR) - The Labour Ministry proposes two alternatives to change eligibility for unemployment benefit, the first being providing easier conditions for eligibility and the other being prolonging the period during which the unemployed can draw the allowance, and both these measures were discussed at a meeting of the Tripartite partners on Monday.
One option for the first alternative counts only on laying down slightly easier conditions for eligibility, while another would shorten the period in which applicants must have been employed in order to be able to receive unemployment benefit. At present, applicants need to have been employed for at least three out of the past four past years. The proposal envisages shortening this period to two out of the past three years.
This alternative would also prolong the period during which the unemployed can draw benefit from the present six to eight months.
The social partners (Government, employers and unions) didn't reach an agreement at their meeting. The unions supported the prolongation of eligibility, but it has been noted that if this proposal were approved it would cost the budget €118 million, a sum that represents the entire package from which the Cabinet would also like to finance other active measures on the labour market.
If the eligibility period is prolonged, there will be no money left for other measures, therefore. The labour sector is thus leaving the final decision up to the Government, said Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Ministry State Secretary Emilia Krsikova.
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