UĦM is calling for a voluntary pilot project to introduce a 35-hour working week as part of its proposals for the 2027 Budget. Companies and organisations would be able to participate in the pilot, which forms part of a wider package of employment-related measures. The union is also proposing support for parents until their child turns three, allowing them more time with their children during the early years. It wants full pay during injury leave, calculated on the average earnings of the previous 17 weeks and including bonuses, allowances and overtime. Other proposals include a flat 10 per cent tax rate on overtime and performance bonuses, and excluding national insurance contributions and the cost-of-living adjustment from taxable income. UĦM is also proposing a national research-based entity to identify future labour market skills needs, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and emerging sectors. (Times of Malta)
Unemployment Rate Stands at 3.4% in August
Malta’s unemployment rate stood at 3.4% in August, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office. The rate was 3.5% among men and 3.3% among women, the NSO said. Unemployment was considerably higher among young people, with the rate for those aged between 15 and 24 standing at 9.7%. Among people aged between 25 and 74, the unemployment rate was 2.9%. The figures provide a breakdown of unemployment across different age groups and between men and women. Overall unemployment remained below the rate recorded among younger workers, highlighting the difference between the labour market position of younger people and that of the wider working-age population. The latest figures were issued by the NSO as part of its regular labour market statistics. (TVM News)
Family Court Reforms to Strengthen Child Representation
Child advocates will be strengthened under reforms to the Family Court coming into force on 1 October, with more specialised lawyers expected to be recruited to ensure children are represented by professionals with appropriate experience and expertise. The reforms will also provide for additional mediators to help ensure established timeframes for mediation proceedings are respected. Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the changes form part of wider family justice reforms aimed at ensuring children’s voices and best interests remain central to proceedings. He said the reforms would enter a new phase from October, with the focus shifting to their implementation in practice. Grima also highlighted wider measures to strengthen the justice system, including increased resources, judicial specialisation, new infrastructure and digitalisation. The Court Services Agency now employs 642 people, compared with around 588 a year ago, while the judiciary is supported by 50 court attorneys and 59 judicial assistants. (Maltatoday)
