The national labour office is preparing a general pardon for firms which omitted to pay social security dues for their employees in the past, excusing the delinquent parties from penalties and fines if they pay up by March 2003.
The Socialná Poisťovňa insurer, which handles pension payments, is considering taking the same step. With almost Sk60 billion ($1.5 billion) in unpaid dues as of November 2002, the insurer has already held one amnesty, netting Sk1 billion in payments after forgiving Sk2.9 billion in penalties.
With many delinquent firms in bankruptcy, recovering such debts to state institutions is notoriously difficult in Slovakia.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
