TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Losing your job during these ongoing economic hardships can be a truly difficult experience for anyone. However, it is often in these difficult times that new opportunities arise, waiting to be discovered. This sentiment is echoed in Saudi Arabia, with Minister of Labour Jameel Humaidan spearheading efforts to tackle the issue.
The ministry said it had set up a committee to consider layoffs, aiming to avoid job losses by exploring all alternative options.
The minister explained that the committee will investigate in detail the reasons for the retrenchments, which could include partial or complete closures.
Their approach involves working with business owners to identify and implement alternatives to layoffs and closures.
These solutions range from offering voluntary redundancies to offering wage subsidies to retain Bahraini employees.
The minister’s response, made during a question in parliament by Shura Council member Khalid Al-Maskati, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to find a win-win solution for both employees and employers.
How it works?
First, the committee will consider requests for redundancies that may arise due to reasons such as partial or complete closure.
Next, they will hold meetings with business owners to explore all alternatives to avoid layoffs and closures.
At this stage, potential solutions are thoroughly explored, taking into account the nature of the company.
These solutions may include offering laid-off employees positions in other divisions or branches within the same company or facilitating their transfer to similar businesses.
solution
Among the proposals are offering early retirement to eligible Bahraini employees as an alternative to layoffs and providing wage subsidies to companies to retain Bahraini workers.
It is worth noting that the ministry has been successful in preventing or reducing layoffs through these measures in the past.
“This has been achieved without prejudice to the interests of the companies involved,” the minister explained.
What if it’s unavoidable?
However, if dismissals become unavoidable, Humaidan assured Bahraini workers that all their rights and necessary compensation will be guaranteed in accordance with Articles 110 and 111 of the Private Sector Labour Law.
In addition, the ministry will ensure the payment of unemployment benefits at the rate of 60 percent of the insured worker’s salary up to a maximum of 1,000 Bahraini dinars for nine months.
Prioritizing reintegration
The minister revealed the existence of a dedicated employment team to oversee the re-employment of fired Bahraini workers.
Humaidan stressed that the team will play a vital role in facilitating the return of these workers to the labor market.
Their duties include recommending suitable job opportunities based on workers’ experience, as well as introducing them to training courses aimed at enhancing their skill sets and improving their chances of securing new employment opportunities.
