Businesses rush to join subsidized jobs program

By Roula Salourou

The Manpower Organization’s (OAED) offer to subsidize 2,500 employment positions was snapped up by private sector enterprises in just 45 minutes on Tuesday, illustrating companies’ willingness to recruit workers if they can afford them.

This process formed part of an existing program aimed at the recruitment of 10,000 jobless people aged between 30 and 66, while a new program for the subsidized employment of 6,000 unemployed aged 18 or over will also begin in the next few days.

The state subsidy for every day of employment amounts to 18 euros, while social security contributions are covered for 25 days per month. The total duration of the subsidy program is 12 months and requires the hiring of jobless people with valid unemployment documents who have filled in the appropriate form.