Cyprus parliament regulates employment status for Ministry of Education support programs

On Monday, the plenary of the Cypriot Parliament passed a government bill with 28 votes in favor and one abstention to regulate the recruitment and employment of staff in Ministry of Education support programs. These programs are distinct from the public school system and official curriculum. The legislation defines procedures for assessing staffing needs, hiring, contract duration, termination, and duties, while ensuring transparency and equal opportunity. A significant addition to the law is the introduction of a permanent employment status for eligible staff, addressing a long-standing issue that has persisted for 13 years. The bill also extends the validity of recruitment lists for fixed-term staff from 24 to 30 months. This development aims to resolve job insecurity for hundreds of workers previously at risk of termination. The new provisions allow for the conversion of fixed-term contracts into permanent ones. The bill has received support from parliamentarians and labor unions representing the affected employees.