On Monday, the Parliamentary Committee on Finance began discussions on proposed amendments to the regulations governing working hours in the Public Service. The changes introduce the option of reduced working hours with proportionally reduced pay for employees facing specific difficulties or personal needs. At the same time, the debate on teleworking in the public sector continued, with the main point of contention being the verification of conditions for civil servants working from home.

Maria Cleanthous, representative of the Ministry of Finance, presented the proposed framework, explaining that the new regulations institutionalize the possibility of working up to two hours less per day, with a corresponding pay reduction. The measure applies to employees requesting flexibility for reasons of paternity, parental care, force majeure, or those who are parents of children under 15, caregivers, or individuals with disabilities or serious health conditions, provided they submit the relevant medical certificate.

Under the same regulations, flexible arrival times are extended from 1.5 to 2 hours, with the new schedule ranging between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., while departure times will accordingly range from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Employment under reduced hours, as clarified, will not affect rights related to promotions, salary scales, leave, allowances, the 13th salary, or pension benefits. However, in cases of sick leave or annual leave during a reduced-hour work period, salaries will be calculated based on the reduced hours.

Cleanthous emphasized that the measure is entirely voluntary and does not replace existing health-related leave provisions. She noted that there had been requests from employees who wished to continue working but were unable to handle full-time schedules, and that until now, there was no legal mechanism to accommodate such needs. She added that combining reduced hours with telework will particularly assist people with disabilities, while the proportional pay reduction acts as a safeguard against misuse.

The Public Servants’ Union (PASIDY) welcomed the proposed changes, calling them highly significant. It highlighted that extending flexible working hours until 9:00 a.m. and correspondingly the departure time provides meaningful support for employees. It also stressed that reduced working hours for paternity, parental, and force majeure reasons contribute to a better balance between family and professional life. The union expressed hope that the regulations would be approved as soon as possible.

The union “Equality” also welcomed the extension of flexible working hours, noting that it will help reduce road congestion, among other benefits.

Regarding teleworking, Cleanthous explained that the state will continue to bear the main responsibility for employee health and safety. However, employees must confirm that their chosen workspace—whether at home or in a holiday residence—meets all necessary safety requirements. Telework will not be permitted in cafes or other public places. In the event of an accident, the Department of Labour Inspection will assess whether safety standards were met. If not, the responsibility will fall on the employee.

Some Members of Parliament expressed concerns about whether regular inspections should be carried out in teleworking spaces, with disagreement centering on liability in case of an accident. Committee Chair and DIKO MP Christiana Erotokritou stressed that since employees work remotely without regular inspections from the employer, the state ultimately bears responsibility.

Alexia Kalispera, representing the Legal Service, stated that the issue will be revisited within two weeks and that practices from other countries will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate approach for implementing the measure.

After the meeting, Erotokritou said that both the Legal Service and the Ministry had requested more time to reconsider the issue and to develop a more precise regulation that leaves no ambiguities regarding control, ownership, and responsibility for the equipment and workspace.

“I believe the detailed review of all potential issues arising during the law’s implementation is a step in the right direction,” she said, adding that lawmakers must act proactively to establish a clear, comprehensive, and comprehensible framework for teleworking.