Former staff of Belgian supermarket chains Match and Smatch, who lost their jobs during store closures and layoffs, will receive €2.7 million in EU funding to help them retrain and find new roles.
Some 365 former employees of Match-Smatch will benefit from the EU funding, which will come from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF).
Staff at the two low cost supermarket chains, previously owned by the Louise Delhaize Group, were laid off in recent years as the group struggled with prolonged financial difficulties.
The group was forced to restructure its operations across Belgium, primarily in Wallonia. In 2022 Match-Smatch attempted to divest two-thirds of its stores, and while some were taken over by the Colruyt Group, unsold stores and the company’s head office were forced to lay off workers.
MEPs approve funding for Belgian workers
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the €2.7 million in funding for former staff on Tuesday. MEPs noted that almost half of the Match-Smatch redundant workers (46%) are aged fifty or older, an age group that faces more barriers to employment.
The funding will provide vocational, digital, and language skills training, as well as advisory services and job search assistance. Additionally, former Match-Smatch employees interested in starting their own businesses will receive start-up guidance and grants of up to €15,000.
The total estimated cost of these support measures is €3.1 million, with 85% (€2.7 million) funded by the EU and the remaining 15% (€469,688) covered by the Walloon regional authorities.
The draft report by rapporteur Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, Cyprus) recommending that Parliament approve the aid was adopted by 601 votes, 47 against and 17 abstentions.
Since 2007, the EGF has allocated €696 million in 180 cases, helping more than 169,000 workers and self-employed people across 20 Member States.
