This allows firms to better adapt the regular working hours, which are paid at standard rates, to their operational requirements. And, most recently, some companies have introduced longer working hours without additional compensation. Experience has shown that employees are more inclined to accept cuts in wages if these take the form of longer working hours or reductions in bonus payments.
The merger of unemployment assistance and social assistance to “unemployment benefit II”, as we call it, will increase the incentive to find employment. Recipients of such social benefits will be expected to accept any work available. Moreover, unemployed persons will be allowed to earn a certain amount without any deductions.