The pension rights of people who leave employment or reduce their professional activity to care for relatives were at the centre of talks on Tuesday between the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (OSAK) and Labour and Social Insurance Minister Marinos Mousiouttas.
OSAK said the planned pension reform must also protect people with chronic illnesses or disabilities whose conditions prevent them from participating fully and continuously in the labour market.
Talks to continue during reform process
An OSAK delegation agreed with the minister to remain in continuous consultation until the relevant legislative framework is finalised.
The discussions will allow the federation’s proposals to be examined further, including how they could be incorporated into the pension reform.
Recognition for informal carers
OSAK called on the state to formally recognise the role and contribution of informal carers, many of whom have to remain outside the workforce or limit their professional activity to care for relatives.
It said appropriate provisions were needed to ensure that years spent outside employment, or with reduced labour market participation, do not lead to pension insecurity.
Protection for people unable to work
The federation also raised the position of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities who cannot work or are unable to participate fully and continuously in employment.
OSAK said they should not be placed at a disadvantage when they retire because their condition prevented them from working and meeting the necessary social insurance requirements.
Other proposals raised
OSAK also called for the removal of the existing restriction setting a maximum unemployment period of 24 months for eligibility to apply for an incapacity pension.
It further proposed retraining policies and the relaunch of the Incentive Scheme for the Employment of People with Chronic Illnesses, aiming to help more people enter suitable or new forms of employment.
The federation said it would continue participating actively and constructively in the dialogue, seeking meaningful social safeguards and adequate protection of the pension rights of informal carers and people with disabilities.
Source: CNA
