Workers who have been terminated can expect to receive compensation, as announced by the Ministry of Labor
In Belarus, employers are now obliged to pay compensation to dismissed employees and cover retraining costs under certain conditions as announced by the Belarusian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
According to the Labor Code and related regulations, employers are mandated to provide severance pay to employees dismissed due to reasons such as company bankruptcy or staff reduction. The exact amount and eligibility depend on the reason for dismissal and employee tenure.
When it comes to retraining costs, employers are responsible for covering these expenses if the dismissal or job restructuring involves changing employee qualifications or roles. This aligns with state policies aiming to mitigate unemployment and support workforce adaptability, especially amid rapid economic and technological changes in Belarus.
The compensation payment is triggered when an employee was not sent for retraining or upskilling courses within the last five years before dismissal. The compensation covers the costs of implementing the educational programs, rent for accommodation (if the courses are held in another location), and travel costs to and from the place of study.
The retraining and upskilling programs are available for various professions, including clerks, managers, specialists, drivers of mechanical transport, and self-propelled machines. The programs also extend to individuals with higher or secondary special education.
To qualify for the employer to cover the costs, the employee must complete the course at a state employment service. If the employee attends a state employment service and completes a retraining course, the employer will cover the costs.
The compensation payment conditions apply only to Belarusian companies. Foreign companies operating in Belarus are not subject to these conditions.
The announcement was made in the Telegram channel of the Belarusian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Employers must comply with statutory termination notice periods and procedural requirements, providing written notification and, if applicable, involving labor unions or government agencies in dismissal cases. Failure to follow proper cause and procedures can result in additional compensation obligations.
Additionally, employers must maintain social security contributions (28% of gross salary) and mandatory accident insurance, which fund unemployment benefits and social safety nets.
In summary, Belarusian employers must ensure payment of severance or dismissal compensation, provide retraining support when needed, and follow legally mandated termination processes under the Labor Code and recent reforms aimed at strengthening employee protections. The details of compensation amounts and retraining obligations can vary depending on dismissal cause, employee seniority, and government directives.
