What is Short-Time Working Allowance?
Short-time Working Allowance is a support program provided by the state to partially cover the employee’s loss of income due to the employer temporarily stopping its activities in the workplace or shortening the working time. This program aims to help the employer get through a difficult period and protect its workforce before resorting to layoffs.
Short Working Due to Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the use of short-time working on a wider scale. Businesses that had to stop their activities or shorten their working hours due to the epidemic were able to compensate for their employees’ income losses to some extent by taking advantage of short-time working allowance.
Who Can Benefit from Short-Time Working Allowance?
There are some conditions to benefit from short-time working allowance. These conditions are:
• The employer must temporarily stop operations at the workplace or shorten working hours by at least 10%.
• The worker must have been insured for at least 60 days at the workplace and must have paid premiums for at least 450 days in the last 3 years.
• The worker should not have unemployment insurance premium debt.
Amount of Short-Time Working Allowance
The amount of short-time working allowance is 60% of the employee’s average earnings based on premium for the last 12 months. This amount cannot exceed 150% of the gross amount of minimum wage.
How Long Is Short-Time Working Allowance Paid?
Short-time working allowance is paid for a maximum of 3 months. This period can be extended for up to 6 months by the decision of the President.
How to Apply for Short-Time Working?
The application for short-time work is made electronically by the employer to the Provincial Directorates of the Labor and Employment Agency (İŞKUR) or authorized institutions.
Things to Consider About Short-Time Working During Covid-19 Period
Some important points about short-time working during the Covid-19 period are:
• The practice of short-time working can help the employer get through a difficult period and protect its workforce before resorting to layoffs.
