Navigating New Caledonia’s Unemployment Schemes: A Complete Guide
Since the insurrection crisis and the subsequent job destruction, New Caledonia’s unemployment schemes have become a focal point of public discourse. Tho, the terminology surrounding these systems—such as “total,” “partial,” “specific total abuses,” and “specific partial abuses”—has left many residents confused.This article breaks down the different schemes, their eligibility criteria, and the challenges they face.
Classic Total Unemployment: The Common Law System
Classic total unemployment, also known as “common law,” is the most widely applicable scheme in New Caledonia. It caters to individuals under 61 who have lost their jobs or left for legitimate reasons.To qualify, two key conditions must be met:
- The applicant must have worked at least 1,521 hours in the 12 months preceding the contract termination. This requirement may be lower for certain professions.
- The individual must have contributed to the Cafat unemployment insurance scheme for at least nine months.
Additionally,applicants must prove they are actively seeking employment by registering as job seekers with their province or town hall. Once approved, beneficiaries can receive up to 123,000 francs monthly, with the duration of compensation varying by age: nine months for those under 50 and 14 months for those over 55.
though, this system is in a precarious position. As of January 2025,it supports 5,500 caledonians,but due to a lack of liquidity at Cafat,it could be interrupted as early as March. The destruction of businesses has considerably unbalanced the ratio between contributors and beneficiaries, threatening the scheme’s sustainability.
Common Law Partial unemployment: Supporting Struggling Companies
Unlike total unemployment, partial unemployment applies to employees whose companies are temporarily reducing or suspending operations due to economic difficulties, disasters, or restructuring.
Eligibility criteria include:
- A reduction in work hours below 39 per week.
- the company’s situation must be temporary and linked to specific circumstances.
In this system, the employer pays the allowance to the employee and then seeks reimbursement from Cafat.
The amount of aid varies based on the scenario:
- For reduced activity, employees receive 66% of the hourly SMG (650 francs) for each hour not worked, capped at 1,800 hours annually.
- For suspended activity, employees receive 66% of the SMG for the first four weeks, increasing to 75% between four weeks and two months. Beyond this period, beneficiaries can transition to total unemployment as if their contract had been terminated.
Specific Unemployment Schemes: A Response to the Riots
In the wake of the riots,two new schemes emerged: “specific partial unemployment linked to abuses” and “specific total unemployment linked to abuses.”
Specific total unemployment applies to employees of companies forced to cease operations due to riot-related damages. To qualify, the company must be listed on a government-approved registry.
Key Points at a Glance
| Scheme | Eligibility Criteria | Compensation Details |
|———————————|——————————————————————————————|——————————————————————————————|
| Classic Total Unemployment | 1,521 hours worked in 12 months; 9 months of Cafat contributions | up to 123,000 francs monthly; 9-14 months duration |
| Common Law Partial Unemployment | Reduced hours below 39/week; temporary company difficulties | 66% of hourly SMG (650 francs) for reduced activity; 66%-75% of SMG for suspended activity|
| Specific Total Unemployment | Company premises damaged during riots; listed on government registry | Details pending further updates |
The Future of Unemployment Schemes in New Caledonia
The insurrection crisis has placed immense strain on New Caledonia’s unemployment systems. With Cafat facing liquidity issues,the future of these schemes remains uncertain. As the government works to stabilize the situation, residents are encouraged to stay informed and explore available resources.
For more details on the funding challenges of classic unemployment, visit this analysis. To check if your company qualifies for specific total unemployment, refer to the official list.Understanding these schemes is crucial for navigating the current economic landscape. Stay informed,stay prepared,and take advantage of the support systems available to you.Navigating Unemployment Benefits in Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide
Switzerland’s unemployment benefits system is a cornerstone of its social security framework, designed to provide financial support to those who loose their jobs. As part of a mandatory insurance scheme, employees contribute to this system during their employment, ensuring they are covered in times of need. But how does it work,and what can beneficiaries expect?
Understanding the Basics
Unemployment benefits in Switzerland are treated similarly to the old-age pension,forming an integral part of the country’s social security system. All employees, except the self-employed, are required to pay into this scheme, which provides compensation for loss of income due to unemployment, short-time work, or other disruptions.
the system is governed by the federal act on OASI, ensuring that the working population is protected.If you lose your job, you may be eligible for benefits, but certain conditions and concessions apply.
How Benefits Are Calculated
The structure of unemployment benefits is designed to provide reasonable compensation while encouraging re-employment. For the first three months, beneficiaries receive 70% of their previous remuneration, up to a limit of 412,000 francs. In the following quarter,the compensation is reduced to 100% of the SMG (guaranteed minimum wage). During the third three-month period, the benefit drops to 75% of the SMG.
This phased approach ensures that individuals have immediate support while gradually transitioning to lower payments as they seek new employment opportunities.
Specific Partial Unemployment
A unique aspect of switzerland’s unemployment system is the provision for specific partial unemployment. This measure targets employees of companies forced to reduce or suspend operations due to abuses. Compensation amounts to 70% of their gross hourly remuneration, up to 2.5 times the guaranteed minimum hourly wage. for employees paid on the SMG and work-study workers, this can increase to 100% of their gross hourly salary.
This initiative is a continuation of the specific Covid unemployment measures introduced during the health crisis to prevent economic collapse.Though,its future is uncertain. While Congress recently renewed the measure until March 31, the State has expressed reluctance to extend it further.
Key Takeaways
Switzerland’s unemployment benefits system is a lifeline for those facing job loss,offering structured financial support and incentives for re-employment. Though, the evolving nature of specific measures like partial unemployment highlights the need for ongoing adaptation to economic challenges.
| unemployment Benefits Overview |
|————————————|
| First 3 Months | 70% of previous remuneration (up to 412,000 francs) |
| Next 3 Months | 100% of SMG |
| Final 3 Months | 75% of SMG |
| Specific Partial Unemployment | 70% of gross hourly remuneration (up to 2.5x minimum wage) |
For more details on Switzerland’s social security and unemployment benefits, visit this comprehensive guide.
As the system continues to evolve, staying informed is crucial for both employees and employers navigating these changes.
Summary of Unemployment Schemes in New Caledonia
1. Classic Total Unemployment (Common Law System)
– Eligibility: Worked 1,521 hours in the last 12 months, contributed to Cafat for at least 9 months, actively seeking employment.
- Compensation: up to 123,000 francs monthly, 9 months (under 50) to 14 months (over 55) duration.
- Challenges: facing liquidity issues at Cafat, potential interruption by March 2025.
2. Common Law Partial Unemployment
– Eligibility: Reduced work hours below 39 per week,temporary company difficulties.
– Compensation: 66% of hourly SMG (650 francs) for reduced activity, 66%-75% of SMG for suspended activity (capped at 1,800 hours annually).
– Process: Employer pays allowance, then seeks reimbursement from Cafat.
3. Specific Unemployment Schemes (Linked to Riots)
– Specific Total Unemployment: Company forced to cease operations due to riot-related damages, listed on government registry.
– Specific Partial Unemployment Linked to Abuses: Details not yet specified.
Key Points at a Glance
| Scheme | Eligibility Criteria | Compensation Details |
|—|—|—|
| Classic Total Unemployment | 1,521 hours worked, 9 months Cafat contributions, actively seeking employment | Up to 123,000 francs monthly, 9-14 months duration |
| Common Law Partial Unemployment | Reduced hours below 39/week, temporary company difficulties | 66%-75% of hourly SMG (650 francs) |
| Specific Total Unemployment | Company premises damaged during riots, listed on government registry | Details pending further updates |
The Future of Unemployment Schemes in New Caledonia
- Cafat facing liquidity issues, future uncertain.
- Residents encouraged to stay informed and explore available resources.
- For more details on classic unemployment funding challenges:
- To check if your company qualifies for specific total unemployment: