The Ministry of Labour has summarised the next stage of the pilot scheme on reduced working hours
A meeting of the Working Group on Reduced Working Hours was held at the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.
During the meeting, information was presented on the implementation of pilot projects, as well as the results of a survey of employers and employees who participated in the Ministry’s pilot scheme on reduced working hours in the second quarter of 2026.
Participants in the pilot scheme (volunteer employers from the public and private sectors) reduced working hours by 10 per cent in the first half of the year, increasing to 20 per cent in the second half. Most employers gradually reduced the number of working hours per week. Some shortened the working week to four days, while others granted their employees additional days off.
The Ministry emphasises that companies participating in the scheme have not experienced any negative changes to their operations, maintaining a stable financial position and meeting their deadlines. A comprehensive review of the pilot scheme is due to take place in May 2027. After this date, it will also become clear whether the Ministry of Labour will propose legislation to reduce working hours more widely.