**MPs Demand Solution to Support Staff Left Without Unemployment Benefits**
*Cyprus Mail*
In a recent meeting of the House education committee, Members of Parliament (MPs) raised urgent concerns regarding approximately 300 employees working in support programmes under the Ministry of Education. These workers have found themselves without unemployment benefits during the summer months, prompting calls for a swift resolution from the government.
The issue stems from the unique employment status of these workers. Although the support programmes are suspended during the summer, many employees remain on the payroll, which under current legislation means they are not classified as unemployed. Consequently, they are ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, leaving them without income for an extended period.
Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides emphasized the importance of these support programmes in the education system but highlighted the precarious nature of the employment conditions for staff. “Workers have been without income for four months,” Savvides stated, urging the government, along with the ministries of education, labour, and finance, to collaborate in finding a balanced solution to the issue.
Disy MP Prodromos Alampritis echoed these sentiments, noting that the situation impacts hundreds of teachers who have dedicated years to working in these support roles. He revealed that the committee has given the Ministry of Education a three-week deadline to propose a solution to the ongoing problem.
Akel MP Christos Christofides further elaborated on the plight of the employees, pointing out that many have been left without income for four to five months due to recent changes in their employment arrangements. He raised concerns about the potential loss of recognition for their years of service when they are transferred between different programmes, which could affect their future employment prospects.
Elam MP Sotiris Ioannou provided a legal perspective on the issue, explaining that the social insurance system cannot legally grant unemployment benefits to these employees as they remain continuously employed by the Ministry of Education. This legal framework has created a significant gap for the workers, who find themselves in a challenging financial situation during the summer months.
A representative from the Ministry of Education clarified that the current predicament arose after many workers were transitioned to permanent contracts. In previous years, contracts were terminated at the end of the school year, allowing employees to claim unemployment benefits during the summer. However, the shift to permanent contracts has altered their eligibility status, leaving them in a state of limbo.
The representative from the labour ministry reiterated that the law stipulates that employment must be terminated for benefits to be disbursed. Since these employees are considered to be in active employment, they do not qualify for unemployment assistance.
As the committee continues to address this pressing issue, the MPs are hopeful that a solution can be reached that provides financial support for the affected workers while also maintaining the integrity of the employment system within the education sector. The next steps will be closely monitored as the deadline for the Ministry of Education to propose a resolution approaches.
The situation highlights the complexities of employment law and the need for a nuanced approach to support workers in educational roles, particularly those who are essential to the functioning of the system yet find themselves vulnerable during transitional periods.