The Ministry of Labour will evaluate the data regarding store operating hours and engage in a dialogue with the stakeholders to reach a collective decision, stated Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panagiotou.

Following a meeting with the Cyprus Confederation of Professional Craftsmen and Shopkeepers (POVEK), Minister Panagiotou also addressed the issue of teleworking, noting that an updated draft legislation, taking into account personal data protection, will soon be submitted. The Ministry of Finance is preparing a framework for teleworking in the public sector.

The main concerns raised by POVEK to the Minister were the store operating hours and the rights of self-employed individuals.

The Minister stated the need for a structured dialogue to evaluate the experience of the previous period and plan for the next steps. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between employees and self-employed individuals to ensure proper differentiation between wage-based work and self-employment, which is essential for providing adequate support to the self-employed.

When asked about discussions on unemployment benefits for the self-employed, the Minister mentioned that the Republic of Cyprus has already taken obligations in this regard under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and planning has been carried out by the Social Insurance Services.

"There are various practical issues and challenges related to this matter, which need to be managed through discussions with social partners, particularly with POVEK, to reach feasible and mutually acceptable solutions," he said.

Regarding the possibility of regulating store operating hours, the Minister highlighted that operating hours affect the economy, society, businesses, employers, and workers. He expressed the Ministry's intention to evaluate the accumulated experience from previous years without prejudice or bias, and engage in a dialogue with relevant stakeholders to determine what is best for society and the economy. He expressed confidence that collective decisions can be made for the collective good.

When asked about thoughts on a six-day workweek, the Minister stated that he would refrain from delving into the discussion as it would be premature. He acknowledged his responsibility to coordinate the dialogue in a manner that is acceptable to all parties involved.

In response to discussions about a four-day workweek and whether he sees it positively, the Minister noted that flexibility in terms of working hours and location, utilizing the possibilities of teleworking, is the direction of work in the modern world. He added that the ways in which these possibilities can be utilized are subject to discussion with organized bodies and institutionalized through the Labour Advisory Body. Any specific announcements regarding this will be made when concrete developments arise.