Morocco Introduces Benefits For The Unemployed

VENTURES AFRICA – Private sector workers who lose their jobs in Morocco now have a safety net, as the African kingdom effected its Job Loss Allowance (IPE) law last December, after over a decade of negotiation.

“It’s a start that the government will try to improve on over time, but our aim is to get all workers who lose their jobs back into work,” Employment Minister Abdeselam Seddiki told the Magharebia, a website sponsored by the United States Africa Command.

According to him, the IPE would be funded through a 500 million dirhams ($54 million) fund set up by the government. The initial fund will run for three years.

The IPE is said to be equal to 70 percent of the average monthly wage declared by a worker over the 36 months prior to the date of termination of appointment.

“That’s why those in receipt of the allowance must be registered with ANAPEC [National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills] so that they can receive guidance and training to help them get back to work,” Seddiki explained.

Not to be exploited

Head of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), Said Ahmidouch, said that workers who resign, abandon their posts or depart the organisation voluntarily are not entitled to the allowance, as it protects entitlement to medical insurance for both the unemployed worker and his legal successors. It also preserves the right to family allowances and pensions.

Still short of expectation

A member of the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT), Mohamed Alaoui, however said the allowance fell short of workers’ expectations, although it was a step in the right direction.

“We mustn’t forget that employees are a big issue in Morocco, especially since 80 percent of employees are not declared and do not benefit from medical insurance or pensions… That’s why we’re asking the government to do more to protect the rights of Moroccan employees,” said Alaoui.

 Just 59 percent of Moroccans have state medical insurance and only 33 percent pay into state pensions, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). There is also no social security system that caters for the self-employed people, who make up more than 55 percent of the workforce.