Home Covid-19 Saudi Arabia to cut private sector salaries by 40% The decision also allows companies to terminate employee contracts after six months of the coronavirus pandemic period by Zainab Mansoor May 5, 2020 Saudi Arabia has issued a ministerial decision allowing private sector companies to cut salaries by up to 40 per cent, according to media reports, citing daily newspaper Asharq al-Awsat. The directive also allows the possible termination of contracts in view of the economic challenges in the aftermath of the Covid-19 spread. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has agreed to the changes to the country’s labour system that would allow an employer to reduce an employee’s salary by up to 40 per cent of the actual wage for a period of six months. It would also enable firms to terminate employee contracts after six months of the Covid-19 pandemic period. However, according to the directive, the three conditions that are a prerequisite to terminate any employee include: the passing of six months since a salary cut has come into effect, the reduction of pay, annual leave and exceptional leave have all been used, and a company proves that it is facing financial hardships due to circumstances surrounding the outbreak. Employees, as per the decision, will continue to receive their salaries if on annual leave within the stipulated six-month timeframe. The directive will come into force once it is confirmed by the Saudi government and published in its official newspaper. Saudi Arabia reported a total of 28,656 Covid-19 cases since the outbreak last year. Meanwhile, its virus-related death toll has spiked to 191. Tags Employees Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development private sector salaries Saudi Arabia 0 Comments You might also like Saudi Arabia’s PIF to acquire 54% stake in MBC Group Saudi Arabia posts $8bn Q3 deficit as lower oil prices weigh UAE’s Julphar divests Zahrat Al Rawdah Pharmacies Will they or won’t they? Talk of Saudi cutting oil prices for Asia