11,000 companies request TSU exemption, €200m estimated
About 11,000 companies have applied for exemption from the Taxa Social Única (TSU), with estimated relief totalling roughly €200 million; measures are part of storm-recovery support for affected businesses. Officials also say 1,500 firms asked the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional or IEFP) for help paying salaries and that 10,000 workers in the damaged zones are already receiving IEFP salary support; overall damage estimates remain at €5–6 billion. Companies in affected municipalities should check eligibility and application status for these emergency supports.
The Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) runs employment centres, job-placement services and vocational training in Portugal and publishes official unemployment data. IEFP reported a 10.8% drop in registered unemployed in December year‑on‑year and near‑stable figures from November, so job-seeking residents (including expats) should register with IEFP to access unemployment benefits, training and hiring programmes.
