Belgium : closure indemnity for employees of companies with 5 to 9 people on payroll

around 200 000 people are employed in very small companies. Within the framework of the 2005-2006 inter-professional agreement, social partners had requested extension of the closure payment to the victims of bankruptcy in companies with 10 to 19 employees. (Ref. 070322)

The minister of employment, Peter Vanvelthoven plans to extend this agreement to companies with 5 to 9 employees. Furthermore, from April 1, 2007, employees of non-commercial institutions will be covered by the fund if the emplo