Unemployment for blue-collar workers counts recognition of company restructuring

Coronavirus unemployment for blue-collar workers in 2021 counts towards recognition of company restructuring

SD Worx Knowledge Centre

Source

Royal Decree of 8 February 2022 amending the Royal Decree of 21 September 2020 amending the Royal Decree of 3 May 2007 on the system of unemployment with company allowance and the Royal Decree of 7 December 1992 on the granting of unemployment benefits in the case of conventional bridging pensions.

Companies with at least 50% blue-collar workers can be recognised as companies undergoing restructuring on the basis of frequent use of temporary unemployment (at least 20% of the total number of days for blue-collar workers reported to the NSSO).

In principle, only temporary unemployment is taken into account for economic reasons. This notion had already been widened during the coronavirus pandemic. The days of coronavirus unemployment for blue-collar workers in 2020 were also included.

From now on, the days of coronavirus unemployment for blue-collar workers in 2021 are also eligible.

Companies qualifying for recognition as restructuring enterprises may, among other things:

• allow their employees to go into unemployment with a company allowance (UCA) under more favourable conditions; • benefit from an exemption from the first-job obligation.

This measure will enter into force on 25 February 2022.

Consequences for the employer

Companies with at least 50% blue-collar workers and high levels of coronavirus unemployment can rely on this rule for recognition as a company undergoing restructuring. This may be important for access to UCA and an exemption from the first-job obligation.

If you have any questions about recognition as a company undergoing restructuring and its consequences, our legal consultants will be happy to help you. Contact them at consulting@sdworx.com.

SD Worx Social/Legal News March 2022 Page 9