According to the summary prepared by the Strategy and Planning Office (GEP) of the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, the total number of 'lay-off' situations with compensation (normal concession, as provided for in the Labor Code) registered in March a decrease of 5,154 benefits processed compared to the same month in 2024, corresponding to a decrease of 47.9%.

In the chain comparison, in relation to February, a slight increase of 50 'lay-off' instalments was observed, equivalent to an increase of 0.9%.

This slight increase occurs after the first decline in the number of workers on layoff was recorded in February since October 2024, when this indicator began to rise again.

According to GEP, the reduced working hours regime covered 3,494 people, a decrease of 43.4% (2,676 fewer benefits processed) compared to March 2024 and a reduction of 7.1% (269 benefits) compared to February.

In March, layoff benefits were processed for 355 employers, representing a decrease of 278 compared to the same period last year and an increase of 23 compared to February.