A “return-to-work support” is being offered for workers who were dismissed between 2019 and April 30, 2020. The application window has opened, and workers who wish to benefit must apply by December 31. Employers who rehire their former employees will also receive support.
Return-to-Work Applications Begin
Following the sharp currency fluctuations in 2018 and the subsequent economic downturn, many people lost their jobs last year. Some of those unemployed received unemployment benefits, while many others did not qualify. When unemployment benefits were exhausted and job opportunities were scarce, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 made conditions even more difficult for many. To address this group, a new arrangement was introduced under Law No. 7256, which came into force last week and creates employment opportunities for those who became unemployed.
Under this law, employees who were dismissed or forced to leave their jobs between January 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020 and who are rehired by their former employers and return to work at their previous workplace will enable the employer to receive support from the unemployment fund. Employer support amounts to 44 TL per day, up to 1,324 TL per month. If the employer must place the rehired worker on unpaid leave, the worker will receive a monthly support payment of 1,168 TL. If the employer refuses to rehire the former employee, the worker may receive support of 34 TL per day, up to 1,030 TL per month. These amounts will be adjusted upward if the minimum wage increases in the new year.
Pay Attention to the 30-Day Period
Applicants should note the deadline for the return-to-work support. Workers dismissed during the specified period must apply to their former workplace between December 1 and December 31, 2020. If the employer accepts the rehiring within this timeframe, support payments to employers will begin in the new year.
To be eligible to apply for return-to-work support, certain conditions must be met. The employment contract must not have been terminated for violations of morality and good faith rules; contracts terminated for such reasons are excluded from return-to-work applications. Apart from those cases, employees dismissed for any other reason may apply. Individuals who have received or are currently receiving unemployment benefits after dismissal are also eligible to apply. Those who are currently insured and working at another workplace, pension recipients, and foreign workers are not eligible to apply for return-to-work support.
Important Opportunity for Previously Uninsured Workers
Domestic workers employed in private homes are excluded from making return-to-work applications. Similarly, employees who worked and were dismissed from public institutions are not eligible for this scheme. However, workers who were employed without insurance and then dismissed may benefit from the program.
Under normal circumstances, employers who hire uninsured workers face a monthly fine equal to the minimum wage. Unpaid premiums are collected with late interest, and any incentives or supports used during the uninsured employment period are reclaimed with legal interest. Employers who rehire previously uninsured workers as insured employees under this program will not face fines or debt claims related to that previous uninsured employment. Workers rehired as insured employees will be considered to have waived claims arising from the uninsured employment period. Workers who are not rehired and who were previously employed without insurance may pursue their rights for that period through legal channels.