Companies want to extend the temporary kurzarbeit
Labor Minister Milan Krajniak (Sme rodina) wants to extend the temporary kurzarbeit at least until the end of this year, as the current scheme is set to expire at the end of September. Despite the economic recovery, many companies still depend on it. “If kurzarbeit is not extended, 100 jobs will be at risk,“ warns PPS Group Detva. U.S. Steel Košice is also calling for an extension. The Finance Ministry is yet to decide. The government plans to set up a permanent kurzarbeit from 2022, funded by payroll levies.
So far, the government has spent €142m on kurzarbeit (helping furloughed workers) and paid €246m to companies with a drop in sales.
