Austria’s government has decided to scrap Bildungskarenz, the state-supported educational leave that allowed employees to take time off work while receiving financial aid.
The move is part of a broader effort to cut costs and balance the budget.
At its first ministerial meeting, the new coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS made it clear that things are moving quickly. Chancellor Christian Stocker said the government is focused on delivering results from day one.
The decision to end educational leave had already been reported to the EU in January as part of the country's cost-cutting measures, and the new coalition is now following through, as reported by Der Standard.
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No replacement programme yet
The government has promised a new scheme with stricter rules, but for now, there are no details. The current model will end before a replacement is in place, and a formal motion to abolish it is expected in Parliament this Friday.
Educational leave was initially meant to help low-skilled workers and those looking to change careers, but officials say it wasn’t working as intended.
Many people have used it for professional training or degree programmes, as an extension of parental leave, or as a way for companies to cope with tougher times without firing employees. The government says a future version should be more targeted, though it’s unclear how long it will take to introduce one.
READ ALSO: What changes people in Austria can expect under the new government
Other measures on the way
Ending Bildungskarenz is just one of several budget-saving measures.
The government also plans to raise the bank levy, which should bring in €500 million this year. Other changes include a higher betting tax, an end to VAT exemptions for photovoltaic systems, increased tobacco taxes, and new insurance taxes for e-cars.
With no clear timeline for a replacement, workers who were considering educational leave might have to rethink their plans. For now, the programme is on its way out, and it’s uncertain what will come next.
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