The measures taken by Lt. Labour market support measures for April

Remaining in force in April and April the protective arrangements for workers and the unemployed, as reported yesterday by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Kostis Hatzidakis, in the context of the announcements on the support measures the labour market.

As noted, the measures for April have an estimated cost of €695 million, while the budget for the overall «safety net» from the Ministry of Labour alone exceeds €7.1 billion and the number of beneficiaries of the actions of the Ministry of Labour exceeds 3 million.

It is recalled that the measures for April include the following:

1. Workers in enterprises throughout the territory which are significantly affected may be placed on temporary suspension of an employment contract and are beneficiaries of special purpose compensation pro rata for the period of suspension, calculated on the basis of EUR 534 per month. For the above period, the full social security contributions shall be covered proportionally by the State budget, calculated on the nominal salary.

For April, the extended list of March Activity Code Numbers (ACNs) will continue to be used for the affected businesses with the same criteria as in March and for businesses that remain closed by order of a public authority, without any criteria for inclusion in the measure of suspensions of their employees' employment contracts. Cost of EUR 330 million.

Given at Easter gift on the special allowance, in proportion to the days of suspension, in the period January-April 2021. Cost EUR 210 million.

2. For the affected businesses, the payment of not only confirmed taxes will be suspended for one month, but also of accrued social security contributions.

3. Employers' insurance contributions for employees in hotels operating for 12 months are subsidised until June 2021. Cost for an additional three months: €3 million.

4. The artists who are on the artists' register, will also receive special purpose compensation for March 2021. Cost €16 million.

5. The a cultural subsidy for vacancies in theatres, cinemas, music venues and concert and performance venues, until March 2021. The cost of the additional three months amounts to €19 million.

6. Professions special categories of tourism (guides, tourist guides, etc.) will receive a special allowance of €534 in March 2021. Cost of around €1 million.

7. At unemployment benefits expiring by the end of March, shall be given an extension of two months. Cost €77 million.

8. The «Co-operation» measure is extended until June 2021. Given at Easter gift on the aid paid to those who participated in the programme in the period January-April 2021. Estimated cost: €38 million.