The bill aimed at ending the mandatory and prolonged standing of workers, imposed by a significant number of businesses, is in its final stages. The legislation is set to be voted on in the Plenary Session of the Parliament before Christmas.

This was stated during a session of the Parliamentary Labour Committee, where the issue was discussed based on a proposal from AKEL, specifically by MP Georgios Koukoumas.

In his statements after the session, Mr. Koukoumas mentioned that the legislative proposals were discussed at the Pancyprian Council for Safety and Health and then at the Labour Advisory Body, where the spirit of the proposal was embraced by all. He noted that "there is now a government bill before us that covers everything our party intended."

He also emphasized the need for the legislation to be passed promptly, particularly before the Christmas holidays, a period when retail workers intensify their work and serve the public for extended hours.

The bill includes an obligation for employers to provide adequate and suitable seating for their employees to avoid continuous and prolonged standing.

Specifically, the bill will amend Article 27 of the Laws on Safety and Health at Work, requiring every employer to provide appropriate seating for each employee.

In cases where the workstation involves tasks that expose employees to prolonged standing, the employer will be required to provide suitable seating or take organizational measures for the occasional rest of each employee.

It is noted that through this bill, Cyprus will achieve fuller alignment with the provisions of the European Directive, related to the implementation of measures for promoting the improvement of safety and health of workers at work.