An additional 6,500 positions for the successful long-term unemployed 55+ employment program

A significant increase in the jobs offered by the successful employment program for the long-term unemployed aged 55-67 has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Public Employment Service in the context of supporting the long-term unemployed and the continuous evaluation of active employment policies.

As Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had announced on Friday during a discussion with beneficiaries of the program, the modification of the program foresees an additional 6,500 positions, with a total budget of 117 million euros.

The purpose of the program is to hire long-term (12+ months) unemployed people, aged 55-67, into full-time positions. The duration of the program is 12 months, with the possibility of extension for another 12 months, and the monthly grant of salary and insurance contributions amounts to 75% up to €750 per month.

The program started in September 2017, but by July 2020 coverage was low as enrollments were less than 1,500. In July 2020, the program was strengthened and improved, and in less than two years more than 8,000 positions were filled out of a total of 8,500 positions. With the increase, the enhanced program will have offered a total of 15,000 places.

Agencies from a wide range of public administration participate in the program. Indicatively, it should be mentioned that the program has included a number of Public Law Legal Entities (such as Municipalities, Regions, Insurance Funds, Hospitals, Social Welfare Centers, etc.) and Municipal Enterprises throughout the territory.

For more information, visit the website www.dypa.gov.gr