Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU aid up to €2.7 million to help 365 dismissed retail workers in Belgium.
European Parliament Committee on Budgets approved Belgium’s request for €2.7 million in EU aid via the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). The aid will finance 365 former Match-Smatch employees, who were laid off from their jobs following the company’s prolonged financial hardships that led to store closures and restructuring across Belgium, especially in the Walloon region.
How are older workers affected by the Match-Smatch layoffs?
As reported by the press of the EU Parliament, MEPs remarked that almost half of the Match-Smatch redundant employees (46 %) are aged fifty or older, an age group that confronts more barriers to employment.
In 2022, Match-Smatch endeavoured to achieve financial stability by divesting two-thirds of its stores. However, unsold stores and the company’s head office were compelled to lay off workers. Consequently, Belgium applied for EGF authorisation on behalf of the affected Walloon workers.
How will eu aid support the dismissed Match-Smatch workers?
The funding will deliver vocational, digital, and language skills training, as well as advisory services and job search offerings. Additionally, ex-Match-Smatch employees interested in forming their businesses will acquire start-up guidance and grants of up to €15,000.
The total calculated cost of these support efforts is €3.1 million, with 85% (€2.7 million) funded by the EGF and the remaining 15% (€469,688) funded by the Walloon regional authorities.
The draft report by MEP Michalis Hadjipantela suggesting that Parliament approve the aid was supported by 28 votes, 3 against and 1 abstention. Under the EGF code 2021-2027, the Fund sponsors displaced workers and self-employed individuals who have lost their activity due to unexpected significant restructuring events. Since 2007, the EGF has distributed €696 million in 180 cases, delivering help to more than 169,000 people in 20 Member States.
