Entrepreneurs, especially one-person businesses and those with few employees, are poorly insured in the event of illness and accidents compared to employees. This should at least begin to change in the next legislative period.
Next week, at the request of three parliamentary groups, the economic parliament in the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce will decide on recommendations for action to the next Austrian federal government for changes to the social insurance institution for the self-employed (SVS). The SVS was involved in drawing up the proposals.
“And we are confident that the next federal government will implement this,” says the President of the Social Democratic Business Association (SWV), Christoph Matznetter, who is also on the SPÖ team at the government negotiations.
The application is signed by the VP-Wirtschaftsbund and the Freedom Economy in Upper Austria. Upper Austria’s SWV boss Manfred Zaunbauer submitted an application for complete insurance for the self-employed two years ago. “I’m glad that there is now a joint initiative,” he says.
Currently, entrepreneurs have to be unable to work for 43 days before they receive sick pay. Now this period should be shortened to 29 days so that you can receive sick pay retroactively from the fourth day. “At a maximum of 1,100 euros per month, the support is not high anyway. In addition, it will be granted for up to 52 weeks instead of the current 20.”
In addition, prevention (early detection of cancer, dental and mental health) should be given greater priority. And finally, improvements are planned in pension insurance and in the event of unemployment of entrepreneurs. “A business with 20 or 30 people can run for some time without a boss; in small businesses, sales usually stop on the first day in the event of illness or accidents,” says Zaunbauer.
ePaper
Author
Dietmar Mascher
Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Head of Business Editor
Dietmar Mascher
### Interview: Christoph Matznetter on Self-Insurance and Support for Entrepreneurs
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Christoph Matznetter, President of the Social Democratic Business Association. Recent discussions in the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce have brought attention to the need for improved insurance for self-employed individuals. Could you share how these proposed changes will impact entrepreneurs?
**Matznetter**: Thank you for having me. Yes, the current setup leaves many entrepreneurs, particularly those running one-person businesses or small teams, underinsured when faced with illness or accidents. The proposed changes aim to provide more comprehensive coverage that reflects the unique challenges these individuals face.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that the waiting period for sick pay is currently 43 days. How does the new proposal address this?
**Matznetter**: Absolutely. The proposal seeks to reduce the waiting period from 43 days to just 29 days. This means that entrepreneurs will have access to sick pay starting from the fourth day of their illness, which can make a significant difference in their recovery and business operations.
**Interviewer**: That sounds like a crucial improvement. What other aspects of social security are being addressed?
**Matznetter**: We’re advocating for a broader range of enhancements, including a focus on preventive measures like early cancer detection, and greater support for mental health. Additionally, modifications to pension insurance and provisions for unemployment benefits for self-employed individuals are also on the table.
**Interviewer**: It seems there’s a growing acknowledgment of the pressures faced by small business owners. What has led to this joint initiative among various political factions?
**Matznetter**: There was a realization that our current system does not adequately support self-employed individuals. Leaders from multiple political parties, including the VP-Wirtschaftsbund and the Freedom Economy, have come together to advocate for these necessary reforms, which shows a united front in addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what can self-employed individuals expect going forward if these recommendations are implemented?
**Matznetter**: If the federal government acts on these recommendations, we will see a safety net that allows entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy without fearing for their financial security should illness or accidents occur. This is an important step towards ensuring their welfare and encouraging entrepreneurship in Austria.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Christoph. We look forward to seeing how these proposals progress in the upcoming legislative session.
**Matznetter**: Thank you for shining a light on this important issue.
