Greek Public Employment Service rolls out over‑55 hiring program and regional consultations

The Public Employment Service (ΔΥΠΑ) will create about 8,000 subsidised public‑sector jobs for unemployed Greeks aged over 55. The scheme, launching in July, offers full‑time contracts of up to 24 months, with wages based on the €920 minimum wage and a subsidy covering 75% of the total labour cost, up to roughly €750 per month. It aims to help participants complete the pension‑contribution period needed for retirement.

In parallel, ΔΥΠΑ is preparing eight new interventions targeting women, youth, long‑term unemployed, workers over 30, seniors over 55, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Funding will largely come from the ESFA 2021‑27 programme, with additional national tools. One component foresees 3,000 new jobs in regions transitioning away from coal, especially Western Macedonia and Megalopolis, and a separate grant for hiring unemployed over 30.

To coordinate these actions, a series of regional information meetings will be held from 15 July to 30 July in Thessaloniki, Kavala, Patras, Preveza, Volos, Athens‑Piraeus and Heraklion. The sessions will present employment, training and apprenticeship programmes, new digital tools for job‑seekers and employers, and gather local labour‑market needs to shape future policy.