Slovenia activated the short-time work scheme under ZUDPNP. The measure supports employers who face temporary disruptions and need to reduce working hours. The goal is simple: to protect jobs and stabilize operations during unexpected circumstances.

The government adopted the decision on December 4, 2025. The measure came into effect on December 5, 2025. Employers can use it from December 5, 2025 until March 5, 2026.

Below is a clear overview based on the official ESS guidance, implementation manual and application instructions.

Key points for employers

  1. Eligible employers include companies that are experiencing a temporary reduction in business due to exceptional circumstances.
  2. You must retain the employee for the entire duration of the grant.
  3. The employee must remain insured for all social security contributions.
  4. Working hours can be reduced to a minimum of 10 hours per week.
  5. You must notify ESS if circumstances change or if the employee returns to full-time work.

Areas of industry covered by the measure

  • C.14 Production of clothing
  • C.15 Production of leather, leather products and related items
  • C.17 Production of paper and paper products
  • C.18 Printing and reproduction of recorded media
  • C.23 Production of non metal mineral products
  • C.24 Production of metals
  • C.25 Production of metal products except machinery and equipment
  • C.29 Production of motor vehicles, trailers and semi trailers
  • C.30 Production of other vehicles and vessels
  • C.31 Production of furniture

Employers in these sectors face temporary circumstances that affect operations. They may reduce working hours and combine reduced working time with temporary layoff from 5 to 20 hours per week between 5 December 2025 and 5 March 2026. You may request partial reimbursement of salary compensation paid for reduced hours.

Subsidy levels

  • The state reimburses part of the salary compensation paid for the reduced working hours.
  • Compensation is based on the employee’s average salary.
  • Employers pay salary for the hours worked, the state covers part of the hours not worked.

Conditions

  • You must prepare a statement of business reasons for reducing hours.
  • You must confirm that the reduction is temporary.
  • You must ensure no other conflicting state aid is used for the same purpose.
  • All salary payments must follow Slovenian labour law.
  • Employers must keep complete documentation for inspection.

Application process

  • You submit the electronic application through the ESS Portal for Employers.
  • Applications open on Monday, 8 December 2025.
  • You must submit within 15 days from the date you introduce reduced working time.
  • Applications are submitted through the ESS portal.
  • You must attach the required forms and declarations.
  • You must list all employees included in the scheme and specify reduced hours for each.
  • ESS verifies the request and issues a decision.
  • You receive monthly reimbursement based on reported data.

Deadlines

  • Submit the application within the legally defined period after the reduction of hours starts.
  • Late applications are not accepted.

Practical steps to prepare your file

  • Prepare a business justification showing temporary decline.
  • Prepare internal decisions on reduced working hours.
  • Collect salary data for each affected employee.
  • Review the procedural guide in the official application manual.
  • Confirm your electronic access to submit through the ESS portal.

Employer obligations after approval

  • Keep the employee employed during the full subsidy period.
  • Notify ESS of any changes.
  • Keep payroll documentation and evidence of reduced hours.
  • Ensure full compliance with labour law and social security rules.

Official announcement link: https://www.ess.gov.si/novica/aktivirana-shema-za-skrajsani-delovni-cas-zudpnp-zaradi-zacasnih-okoliscin/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_704&utm_campaign=oddaja-vlog-za-povracilo-nadomestila-place-zaradi-zacasnih-okoliscin&utm_id=704

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