The coronavirus epidemic is a period of huge losses on a national and individual scale. Global economic losses are already counted in the trillions of dollarsów, and the loss of human lives has already exceeded one million.
These are the most noticeable consequences, but we also face smaller ones on a daily basis. Still, significant ones. Losing one's job in the era of the coronavirus rós different from the same event when the epidemic was still a long way off.
We are afraid of the consequences.
We are more afraid
Theoretically, losing a job goes the same way these days, because the Labor Code hasn't changed. However, the increase in this phenomenon related to the bankruptcy of many companies or downsizingós to prevent the worst, combined with greater fears about whether one will find a new job, makes us feel much less confident. So it's not surprising to see an increased number of inquiries about employee rights, support options or simply employer entitlements. Undoubtedly, nowadays layoffs and salary cuts have become commonplace, which is especially true in industries such as catering, tourism or transportation. Thus, layoffs follow the same rules as before the epidemic. This means that if we are employed for less than 6 months, we are entitled to 2 weeks' notice, with a period of employment from 6 months to 3 years it is a month's notice. On the other hand, if we have been working for more than 3 years, the employer is entitled to a 3-month notice period.
Dismissal vs. type of contract
Obviously, the safest bet is for those employed under a contract of employment precisely because a notice period applies. The employer does not have to justify his decision, and can cite the negative effects of the coronavirus outbreak to decide to eliminate the job. A contract of mandate can be terminated immediately. The case is similar with a work contract, but it should be remembered that even if the task has not been fully completed, the principal is obliged to pay for the part of the task thatóra has already been done. Those who are self-employed are in the worst situation, as they have to pay monthly Social Security contributions for themselves, which can prove problematic when a person is deprived of assignments. It is always worth paying attention to whether the employer acts in accordance with formal requirements, read the contract again. Do not decide to terminate the contract by mutual agreement, because then you will lose the money to which you are entitled for the notice period. On the other hand, if we are dismissed as part of a collective dismissal, remember that we are entitled to a cash severance payment depending on our length of service.
What's next after being laid off?
The first thing we should do in the face of job loss is to register as unemployed at the labor office. The unemployment benefit may not be a large amount, but it will get you through the worst of times. Those working for less than 5 years can get 603 PLN net in the first quarter, and 483 PLN net in the following months. Those with seniority between 5 and 20 years will receive PLN 741 and PLN 676 net, respectively. On the other hand, working for more than 20 years, we can count on 880 PLN in the first quarter and 701 PLN póź later. You can get the allowance for 6 or 12 months, which depends on the market situation, length of service and family situation. The condition for receiving the allowance is continuity of work for at least a year in the 18 months preceding registration in the office and a monthly salary of at least the minimum wage. Registration at the labor office can be done in person or online. In April of this year, a regulation came into effect making it easier during the epidemic to register at the office without an in-person visit.
Remember that today's developmentós technology still makes it possible to perform róve types of work remotely. Perhaps you can start courses and training in advance thatóre going to allow you to obtain new competencies or inólly retrain. The moment of job loss will then not be so acute and we will be able to deal with finding a new job faster.
Maybe a temporary job?
A good suggestion is also to cooperate with a temporary employment agency. This primarily applies to peopleówhoóve lost their source of income, and had a contract for work or a contract of mandate. They are not entitled to benefits, and temporary work will allow them to get money before they find a full-time job again. Counterintuitively, it is also an opportunity to gain new experience and skills.
Temporary employment agencies can be used when you run out of unemployment benefits, or have an employment contract, but the amount of salary is relatively low and you need to find an additional source of money.