The government implements various employment programs to reduce overall unemployment and expand job opportunities. One such initiative introduced in 2017 is the “Plus Employment Support” program. In recent years Turkey has seen an increase in unemployment compared with 2009 levels. By October 2016 the unemployment rate was recorded at 11.8%, with approximately three million people unemployed. To prevent the situation from worsening, the government launched a new support measure called Plus Employment Support.
What Is Plus Employment Support?
Plus Employment Support provides that when employers hire jobseekers registered with İŞKUR, the state will cover the employee’s social security (SGK) premiums and related tax contributions each month through the end of the year, provided the worker is employed at least at the minimum wage level.
This program was established for private sector employers by Decree-Law No. 687, effective 9 February 2017, and is intended to encourage employers to hire registered unemployed workers.
How Much Is the Plus Employment Support?
When an employer hires a jobseeker registered with İŞKUR, the employer’s monthly cost per worker is reduced by approximately 773 TL. This amount is paid by the state under the support program.
For example, if an employer’s gross monthly cost for a worker is about 2,177 TL, the employer will pay 1,404 TL after the support. The remaining 773 TL is covered by the state.
Breakdown of the supported portion:
- SGK premium portion: 666.6 TL
- Tax contribution: 106.8 TL
- Total covered by the state: 773 TL per month
These premium and tax payments are paid by the state each month until the end of 2017.
The Plus Employment Support program runs through 31 December 2017.
What Are the Conditions for the Plus Employment Program?
- Only private sector employers are eligible to benefit from this employment support.
- Employers must not have previously employed workers using fraudulent or unregistered insurance practices.
- Employers must have paid prior SGK premium debts on time and in full.
- Employers should be up to date with any legally required payments and not be in arrears.