The Italian National Institute for Social Security (INPS) has issued procedural guidelines for applying for income support measures for employers and employees in the textile, clothing, footwear, and leather sectors. These measures were introduced by Article 2 of the Decree Law no. 160/2024 to address the crisis in the fashion sector. The law aims to allow these employers to use social shock absorbers, exceeding the usual limits, to help overcome the severe crisis in the fashion industry.
The terms of the Decree mandate that employers must submit applications for this income support measure to the INPS, according to the Institute’s terms and rules. Specifically, applications must be submitted within 15 days of the start of the suspension or reduction of work activity. The start of the suspension or reduction period, which cannot be earlier than October 29, 2024, if it falls between the effective date of the decree and December 3, 2024, the 15-day period runs from the latter.
Applications are to be only sent digitally through the “OMNIA IS” platform. Access to this platform is available on the INPS official website. After logging in with digital identity credentials, a menu of applications is proposed from which the option “CIG and Solidarity Funds” needs to be selected. Next, the option “ISU – Decree Law 160/24 – Fashion Sector” must be chosen from the submenu.
Finally, the circular states the types of documents to be attached to the support request, the methods of payment, information about notional contributions, instructions for filling in the Uniemens flow, and indications if a direct payment request is made by the institute.
