Unemployment Benefit Period Reduced to 24 Months

Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi , has approved legislation reducing the maximum period for receiving unemployment benefits from 30 months to 24 months. As reported by RÚV , the change was passed as part of a bill approved by parliament yesterday. What's the Story? Maximum unemployment benefit period reduced from 30 months to 24 months Initial proposal of 18 months extended during parliamentary discussions Legislation approved by Alþingi before the expected end of the parliamentary session this week Chefs at work. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Benefit Rules Changed Earlier versions of the proposal would have reduced the benefit period to 18 months, but lawmakers extended the final limit to 24 months during the parliamentary process. The measure represents a six-month reduction from the current entitlement period. The legislation was among several bills approved by Alþingi as the parliamentary session approaches its conclusion. Parliament also passed a bill establishing a central database for pupils in primary and secondary schools. The system is intended to provide education authorities with information on school attendance and student progress . In a separate vote, lawmakers approved legislation affecting the salaries of senior public officials. Under the new rules, their pay will increase by 3.5% in July rather than the 9.7% rise that would otherwise have taken effect. The current parliamentary session is expected to conclude later this week. For more on employment and economic policy in Iceland, see Iceland Review’s coverage of the Icelandic economy . The post Unemployment Benefit Period Reduced to 24 Months appeared first on Iceland Review .