The Cyprus Crohn’s & Colitis Association (CYCCA), recognising the challenges faced by its members and, more broadly, by all people living with chronic illnesses in finding and maintaining employment, approached the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Ms. Zeta Emilianidou.
During a meeting held at the Minister’s office, attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Director of the Department of Labour, and other senior officials, CYCCA’s proposal was discussed. The proposal called for financial incentives for employers who hire individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and, more generally, people with chronic illnesses, with the involvement of the Cyprus Federation of Patients Associations and Friends (CyFPAF).
The Minister warmly welcomed the Association’s proposal and instructed her services to initiate the development of such an employment scheme. This sends a strong message that the state stands alongside people with chronic illnesses and supports efforts to eliminate social exclusion by promoting their participation in the workforce.
The core idea behind the employer incentive scheme is to create employment opportunities for people with chronic illnesses who belong to vulnerable groups within society. It provides individuals living with chronic conditions the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, personality, and determination required to succeed in the workplace. Employers should not hesitate to hire people with chronic illnesses, since, unfortunately, any one of us could become a person living with a chronic condition at some point in life.
The programme will be funded through the European Social Fund and is expected to receive formal approval and be officially announced within the next two months.
