**House Approves New Regulations Covering Civil Service Holidays**
In a significant legislative move, the House plenum of Cyprus has unanimously approved new regulations that will alter how annual leave is calculated for public sector employees. The decision, made on Thursday, aims to recognize prior service in the public sector when determining annual leave entitlements.
Historically, annual leave for public sector workers in Cyprus was determined by a staggered system. Under this system, employees accrued more leave days based on their years of service. However, the newly amended regulations will now allow for a more inclusive calculation that takes into account previous employment in various public sector positions, even if those positions did not confer full civil servant status.
Under the new regulations, if an employee has previously worked in the public sector under an open-ended contract—such as those in temporary roles or those not designated as civil servants—those years of service will now count toward their annual leave once they secure a civil servant appointment. This change is particularly significant for individuals who have served in essential public roles, including the police, fire department, military, public education, and organizations governed by public law, such as the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). Additionally, it extends to government employees who have worked on an hourly basis.
The amendments are designed to ensure that no public sector worker will lose any annual leave days due to their previous employment status. The regulations will be applied retroactively, effective from January 2018, which means that employees who have transitioned from temporary roles to permanent civil service positions will benefit from this change.
According to official data, the broader public sector in Cyprus employed a total of 78,388 individuals in the first quarter of 2026. This workforce is divided into two main categories: the general government and publicly-owned enterprises. Within the general government, there are 73,236 employees, the majority of whom work for the central government, while others are engaged in non-profit organizations and local authorities. Publicly-owned enterprises account for an additional 5,152 employees. Notably, around 4,200 individuals in the broader public sector are currently on open-ended contracts.
The unanimous approval of these regulations reflects a growing recognition of the contributions made by public sector employees throughout their careers, regardless of the nature of their employment status. By allowing prior service to count towards annual leave, the House aims to create a more equitable system for all public sector workers.
The implementation of these regulations is expected to enhance job satisfaction among public sector employees, as they will now have a clearer understanding of their entitlements based on their cumulative service. This move is also seen as a step towards fostering a more supportive work environment within the public sector, which is crucial for maintaining a motivated and dedicated workforce.
As the regulations take effect, public sector employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes and understand how their previous service will impact their annual leave entitlements moving forward. The House's decision has been met with positive feedback from various stakeholders, who view it as a progressive step in recognizing the value of public service in Cyprus.
In conclusion, the House's approval of the new regulations marks a pivotal change in the calculation of annual leave for public sector employees, ensuring that their entire career in public service is acknowledged and rewarded.