Half of Belgian companies (53%) are ready to raise meal voucher values from €8 to €12 euros.
This is according to a survey conducted after the new Federal Government announced plans to increase the maximum allowed contribution.
HR service provider Group S surveyed 1,000 Belgian employers to gauge the general feeling about Prime Minister Bart De Wever's plans. He wants to increase the maximum legally allowed contribution for meal vouchers by two increments of €2 during the next legislative term. The new government eventually aims to reduce other vouchers such as eco-vouchers, gift vouchers and cultural vouchers.
The survey indicates that 53% of companies are willing to implement this increase, although it is not mandatory. Meanwhile, 29.7% do not intend to do so and 17.3% are undecided.
"Due to the wage norm law, salaries cannot increase beyond the index for two years. By raising meal vouchers by two increments of €2 euros, it provides a logical and attractive alternative for employers," said Group S legal director Frank Verbruggen.
"Increasing meal vouchers is socially and fiscally advantageous, boosting workers' purchasing power without imposing a high salary cost on employers."
