The largest employment and work experience subsidy program ever implemented in the country’s history is being launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security through the Public Employment Service. The program aims to create approximately 50,000 new jobs for unemployed people aged 30 and over.
The new program, worth 220 million euros, aims to address the unemployment rate that particularly affects people aged 30 and over, with an emphasis on the long-term unemployed (with at least 24 months of registered unemployment), unemployed women, middle-aged unemployed (45-64 years old) as well as those affected by or at risk of poverty and are beneficiaries of the Minimum Guaranteed Income.
Through the program, social cohesion is strengthened and equal access to the labor market is promoted, while the opportunity to gain work experience is given to unemployed people aged 30 and over through their six-month placement in private sector enterprises.
“The reduction in unemployment to 8.1%, the lowest rate in 17 years, is the result of systematic and targeted efforts, however, we are not complacent. On the contrary, we continue and intensify our efforts, with further initiatives such as the implementation of such an important program, which aims to gain professional experience for 50,000 unemployed people, the size of an entire city, in order to further strengthen employment and stimulate the labor market. We stand by our fellow citizens and particularly support groups such as the long-term unemployed, the middle-aged unemployed, unemployed women, as well as those affected or at risk of poverty. We listen to their needs, we facilitate their integration into the labor market, we support them with actions,” said the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameus.
Specifically, the beneficiaries will work for six months in private sector enterprises. The program is funded through the NSRF 2021-2027 (Human Resources and Social Cohesion Program) and the submission of applications by interested enterprises will remain open until the budget is exhausted.
The procedure for participating in the program is as follows: The unemployed are nominated with a constituent note by the labor counselors from the competent Employment Promotion Center. For their part, the companies submit an expression of interest application through Gov.gr describing the specialty and educational level of the unemployed to whom they wish to provide a position to acquire professional experience. The Public Employment Service is responsible for the implementation of the action, which will manage the applications of the companies, the nomination of the beneficiaries who will fill the positions, as well as the payment of their compensation.
The registration platform is expected to be operational within the week.
See the program’s Official Gazette here.
