PAS: Most Entrepreneurs Disagree With Recreational Vouchers for All

Bratislava, October 2 (TASR) - Most entrepreneurs disagree with extending the obligation to provide holiday vouchers to companies that employ fewer than 50 employees, according to a quick survey conducted by the Slovak Business Alliance (PAS) on a sample of 124 firms in late September. The survey was held in co-operation with the Economic and Social Reforms Institute (INEKO). This obligation would increase the wage costs of a large number of employers, which companies would probably compensate by reducing other benefits or dismissing employees. "Most entrepreneurs, namely 84 percent, don't agree that the obligation to provide recreational vouchers for employees be applied across the board to all employers," said PAS executive director Peter Serina. If Parliament okays the proposal from the Slovak National Party (SNS), 33 percent of entrepreneurs expect to offset the costs by limiting other benefits and 17 percent of employers believe that companies will reduce their workforce. According to Serina, 89 percent of entrepreneurs think that holiday vouchers should be voluntary. The institute of the contribution to employees' recreation was introduced at the beginning of 2019 for companies employing more than 50 people. SNS MPs said they recorded interest in using the recreation contribution among employees whose employer is not obliged to provide them with this benefit. The MPs considered this to be an inequality. The effect of the bill is suggested from January 1, 2021. am/mcs/mf