A major project with a €460 million budget increase. (60%) compared to 2013
The report on the work of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (MESI) for the decade 2013-2023 was presented at today's Press Conference at the Presidential Palace by Minister Kyriakos I. Kousios.
During the presentation, Mr. Kousios made a special reference to his predecessor, Ms. Zeta Emylianidou, who, with the legacy she left behind, contributed greatly to the realization of the vision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment to achieve full and quality employment, to ensure fair and decent wages and pensions, the welfare, safety and health of all workers and the preservation of industrial peace.
Then, Mr. Minister referred in detail to the very important work carried out by the Ministry of Social Security and all its Departments/Services during the ten-year government of Nicos Anastasiades, and warmly thanked all staff, the respective Directors General and Heads of Departments/Services of the Ministry, the social partners, as well as all those who contributed to the implementation of the objectives set.
Mr. Kousios also referred to events and dates that marked the work map and the social welfare sector in Cyprus, highlighting in particular the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare in July 2021 and the gradual transfer of responsibilities of the Ministry of Social Welfare related to the Social Welfare Services, the Welfare Benefits Management Service and the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities to the new Deputy Ministry. He particularly pointed out the very significant 60% increase in the Budget from 2013 to 2023, indicating that in 2013 the Budget was €759 million while this year's Budget amounts to €1.22 billion (including the CSF).
Some of the main achievements of the YEKA over the decade 2013-2023, as presented at today's press conference are:
- Minimum Guaranteed Income
- National Minimum Wage
- Digital Transformation of YEKA Departments and Services
- Special plans to support workers during the pandemic period
- Reduction of the unemployment rate to 6.7% in 2022 from 15,4% in 2013
- Increase in social protection expenditure by 28% compared to 2013
- Reduction of the undeclared work rate by 17% compared to 2009
- Introduction of the pioneer Ergani System
- Increase in the participation rate of women in the labour market
- Expansion maternity leave period and increase of the related allowance
- Introduction of a paternity allowance
- Introduction of a widow's pension for men
- Provision of paid parental leave
- Scheme for the payment of social security contributions
- Improvement of the way in which maternity and unemployment benefits
- Vocational training and digital skills training programmes
- Occupational safety and health strategy
- Reduction of occupational accidents by 13% compared to 2013
- Restoration of 4 benefits* abolished before 2013
- Increase in the amount of 9 allowances*
- Allocation of 10 new allowances*
- Expansion of the Support Scheme for low-income pensioners
- Baby Dowry Scheme
- New Disability Assessment System
The Ministry's new challenges, as presented at today's press conference are:
- Expansion of coverage for self-employed workers
- New Social Security Information System
- Creation of a Citizen Service Call Centre
- Reform of the Pension Plan
- Revision of the Strategy for the Employment of Foreign Workers from Third Countries in force since 2007
For the full presentation of Mr. Kousios, with more details and reference to the entire work of the YEKA, click here
For the Appendix with the benefits*, click here.
(NΓ)
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