Minister Selçuk Announces Employment Shield Package
According to the latest update, the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, has announced the Employment Shield package. The package is designed to facilitate employment for young people and for citizens aged 50 and over. Minister Selçuk stated that the Employment Shield will include measures aimed specifically at improving job opportunities for these groups.
In her statement, Minister Selçuk emphasized the high importance given to youth employment and said the government will take steps to increase young people’s participation in the labor market. She also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly changed the nature of working life. As a result of these changes, different working models have begun to be preferred.
Minister Selçuk’s Remarks on the Work System
Minister Selçuk commented on the shifts in the work system that emerged during the coronavirus period, highlighting the transformation of working life. She pointed out that flexible work arrangements, remote work and part-time models have become more common and continued with further observations.
When compared with other countries, our country remains behind in terms of part-time employment. In the Netherlands, about half of the workforce is employed part-time, and in Sweden one in four workers holds a part-time position. By contrast, part-time employment here stands at roughly 9.9 percent. In EU countries overall, part-time employment is around 18 percent. The Employment Shield will include provisions to make it easier for young people and those over 50 to enter and remain in the workforce. Minister Selçuk added that there are no major legal obstacles, but the government will offer certain incentives to raise awareness and encourage these working models.