Unemployment benefits to increase from January

Unemployment benefits in the Czech Republic will undergo significant changes from January within an amendment to the Labour Code. In the initial months of unemployment, benefits will increase from 65 to 80 percent of previous earnings, with a maximum of about 38,500 crowns. For longer periods, the benefit rate will decrease from the current 45 to 40 percent of income. People who leave their jobs voluntarily will no longer face reduced benefits and will receive the same amount as those who are dismissed. Support during retraining will also rise, from 60 to 80 percent of the national average wage.