Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski held an informative and educational meeting in Prilep with representatives of the hospitality sector, farmers and businessmen from Prilep and the region, at which the Law on Work Engagement of Persons was presented as a new model of fair and legally regulated seasonal and occasional employment.
The meeting was organized within the framework of the "FAIR ENGAGEMENT" campaign of the project "Better Employment Conditions for Seasonal Workers in the SEE Region". The project is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Labor and the Employment Agency.
The goal of the working meeting is to clearly and practically inform employers from the sectors of agriculture, tourism, catering, household services, as well as the general public about the benefits and rights regulated by the Law.
Deputy Minister Risteski emphasized that this legal solution is another tool in the fight for formalization of the gray economy, which is a strategic commitment of the Government and a key segment of the reform agenda, as it directly affects economic growth, the stability of public finances and the protection of workers.
- With the new law, we are introducing a more flexible and simplified model for legal engagement with a clear legal framework and electronic procedures for registration, deregistration and payment of contributions. The new rules enable the engagement of employees, unemployed, students, pupils and pensioners without losing already acquired rights, including social and children's rights, cash compensation, pensions and rights from the education system - said Deputy Minister Risteski.
At the meeting, the advantages of the new law for employees and employers were discussed by Aleksandra Karaevska-Dimovska - advisor at GIZ and Marija Risteska - executive director of CRPM, as well as experts from the Ministry of Economy and Labor, the Employment Agency, the State Labor Inspectorate, the State Market Inspectorate and the Public Revenue Office.
The Law on Employment of Persons in this phase covers the sectors where the shadow economy is most pronounced - agriculture, forestry, fisheries, accommodation, food service activities and household activities, and is expected to cover around 17.400 persons.
Citizens and employers from various sectors have the opportunity to exercise this right to establish fair engagement through the upgraded registration and deregistration system of the Employment Agency - "e-Rabota" (https://e-rabota.av.gov.mk/).
