Manos Konsolas Calls for Tax-Free Unemployment Benefits for Seasonal Workers in Tourism
Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas has submitted a parliamentary proposal to the Minister of National Economy and Finance calling for unemployment benefits received by low-income seasonal workers in the tourism and catering sectors to become tax-free.
The proposal calls for an increase in the current income threshold so that unemployment benefits would no longer be counted as part of the beneficiaries’ annual taxable income, thereby preventing additional tax burdens on low-income seasonal employees. According to Mr. Konsolas, the initiative carries a strong social dimension and aims to support thousands of workers employed seasonally in two of Greece’s most important economic sectors.
Under the current legal framework, unemployment benefits are exempt from income tax only if the recipient’s other annual income does not exceed €10,000. However, Mr. Konsolas points out that many seasonal employees earn only slightly above this threshold, resulting in their unemployment benefit being included in their taxable income and leading to additional taxation.
In his intervention, the Dodecanese MP argues that Greece’s strong public revenue performance, the country’s steady economic growth, and the need to strengthen social cohesion justify reconsidering the existing income limit within the framework of fiscal responsibility.
The proposal has been submitted together with the full parliamentary intervention addressed to the Minister of National Economy and Finance, seeking meaningful tax relief for seasonal workers who play a vital role in Greece’s tourism and hospitality industries.
