Government approves reduction in unemployment benefits

The Czech government has approved a reduction in unemployment benefits, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs said on Tuesday. In the first two months, benefits are set to drop from 80 percent of earnings to 65 percent, with a maximum of 60 percent of the average wage instead of 80 percent.

Benefits will also be reduced for those undergoing retraining, parents of young children and those who have recently cared for a family member.