Portugal: employers’ social contributions could be cut in 2012 to revive the industry’s competitiveness

Cutting the single social tax (TSU).  In practice, two percentages are applied concerning the TSU: 11% on employees’ share and 23.7% on employers’ share.  Only the latter should be affected by the memorandum of understanding signed between the international troika and the Portuguese authorities.  The measure, presented as a critical tool to boost competitiveness, is only an indication and doesn’t determine the amount of the cut – which would apply at the end of 2012.
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yees’ share and 23.7% on employers’ share. Only the latter should be affected by the memorandum of understanding signed between the international troika and the Portuguese authorities. The measure, presented as a critical tool to boost competitiveness, is only an indication and doesn’t determine the amount of the cut – which would apply at the end of 2012.

Compensation. The amount of the cut to employers’ contributions is causing disagreements: the outgoing socialist government wants 4% and i

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