Lisbon, April 21, 2025 (Lusa) - The number of workers in Portugal in lay-off situations fell by almost 48% in March compared to the same period last year, but increased by 0.9% compared to February, to 5,612, according to social security data released on Monday.

According to the summary prepared by the Strategy and Planning Office (GEP) of the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security released today, the total number of lay-off situations with retributive compensation (normal concession, according to the provisions of the Labour Law) registered a decrease of 5,154 benefits processed in March compared to the same month in 2024, corresponding to a decrease of 47.9%.

Compared to February, there was a slight increase of 50 in lay-off benefits, equivalent to a rise of 0.9%.

This slight increase comes after February saw the first fall in the number of workers in lay-off situations since October 2024, when this indicator rose again.

Lay-off for workers in Portugal is cash support during the lay-off period, amounting to 2/3 of the normal salary, subject to a minimum and maximum figure. It is paid to the worker by the employer, and is supported in 70% by Social Security, which reimburses this amount to the employers.

According to the Strategy and Planning Office, GEP, the reduced working hours scheme covered 3,494 people, a drop of 43.4% (2,676 fewer benefits processed) compared to March 2024 and a reduction of 7.1% (269 benefits) compared to February.

The temporary suspension scheme saw a year-on-year reduction of 53.9% (2,478 fewer processed), totalling 2,118 in March. In monthly terms, there were 319 more processed, which represents an increase of 17.7%.

In March, lay-off benefits were paid to 355 employers, which represents a decrease of 278 compared to the same period in the previous year and an increase of 23 compared to February.

PD/AYLS // AYLS

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