Bars may be closed and restaurants may be idling with take-out sales, but all are required to pay their social security contributions and the majority seem to do so on time Nader Ghavami

Bars may be closed and restaurants may be idling with take-out sales, but all are required to pay their social security contributions and the majority seem to do so on time Nader Ghavami

Although bars and restaurants have been forced to close down as a result of the health measures in effect since 26 November, the government continues to collect social security contributions without too much delay.

According to a report by Luxembourg's parliament, 90% of companies pay their social security contributions and moreover, within the time limit.This is why the government does not intend to exempt companies from social security contributions, contrary to what is done in France or what is under discussion on the Belgian side.

Contributions, the pillar of social security

To justify its choice, the executive emphasises "a lack of objective criteria, as the Luxembourg social security system is based on the payment of contributions."

Nevertheless, it insists on gestures made, such as the mechanisms introduced so that sectors such as the hotel industry or service activities that are late in paying their contributions are not penalised, or the payment of leave for family reasons and sick leave in the event of quarantine or isolation, in order to relieve the cash flow of companies.

The CSV MP Laurent Mosar has however tabled a motion dedicated to the exemption and deferral of charges. This motion could be discussed or even voted this Thursday afternoon during a public session in parliament.

This article was originally published in French on Paperjam.lu. It has been translated and edited for Delano.