Greece will launch a new, targeted employment support program for women, with a special focus on mothers, aiming to create 10,000 subsidized jobs, Greek Labor Minister Niki Kerameos announced in a TV interview.
According to the minister, the program will cover a total of 10,000 unemployed women and includes the creation of 5,000 full-time and 5,000 part-time positions. Employers participating in the scheme will receive substantial wage subsidies. A key eligibility requirement is that applicants must be registered as unemployed with the Public Employment Service (DYPA).
The program aims to function as a practical tool for reintegrating unemployed women into the labor market, while also providing relief to businesses seeking staff.
Focus on Mothers, Subsidies Up to 80%
Special emphasis is placed on women with children. As Kerameos explained, the level of wage subsidy increases significantly for mothers with children up to the age of 15, reaching as much as 80% of the salary.
“We are talking about a subsidy that can reach 80% of the wage. If a woman also has children up to the age of 15, the support is even greater,” the minister said.
Fully Digital Application Process
The application process will be conducted exclusively online. Businesses wishing to participate will submit applications through gov.gr. DYPA will then use its unemployment registry to match companies with suitable candidates.
“The Public Employment Service will ensure that the right match is made between the prospective employee and the business,” Kerameos said.
€100 Million Program
The total budget of the program amounts to €100 million, making it, according to the minister, the largest targeted initiative to support women’s employment implemented in Greece to date.
Acknowledging that returning to the labor market becomes more difficult as time passes, Kerameos stressed that the scheme is not limited to new mothers but also includes women with older children- up to 15 years of age.
“The state wants to stand by these women and help them take the important step of re-entering employment,” she said.
