PA Decree: the House of Representatives gives the go-ahead. From recruitment to holidays, the latest developments
The bill now goes to the Senate for final approval. From the CAS to families affected by the Campi Flegrei earthquake, and the increase in the budget for the Single Fund for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities, the measure addresses a wide range of areas
Strengthening the autonomy and functionality of local authorities and improving efficiency in sectors such as healthcare, equal opportunities and public works. These are some of the objectives of the PA Decree, which the Chamber of Deputies has given the green light to (133 votes in favour, 66 against). The government, through the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, had called for a vote of confidence on the measure. The process of converting the decree-law began on 8 September and must be completed by 6 October, failing which it will lapse. The text now passes to the Senate for final approval. In essence, this is an omnibus bill.
Public sector staff holidays
One of the most significant changes for public sector employees concerns annual leave. The bill approved by the Chamber of Deputies, with a view to bringing Italian law into line with European case law, provides for the removal of the prohibition on the payment of unused annual leave, rest days and special leave, even in the event of termination of employment. The measure allows for the possibility of receiving compensation in lieu of holiday leave that has not been taken. This right, however, may be forfeited if the employee has deliberately chosen not to take their annual leave, despite having been given the opportunity to do so by their employer and having been adequately informed of the consequences of not taking it.
The PA Decree also amends the Consolidated Law on Local Authorities (TUEL) by revising the provisions concerning the consequences of a declaration of financial distress. Among other things, it provides for the possibility for a local authority in financial distress to take out loans to cover off-balance-sheet debts, and the obligation to approve the rebalanced budget together with the financial statements for the last financial year.
University, school and disability
In the field of education, the decree extends, until the 2027/2028 school year, the special scheme which allows service provided in state-recognised private schools for at least three years (even if not consecutive) during the preceding ten years to be considered a valid qualification for teaching, in place of a teaching qualification. This measure applies to individuals whose applications to join teacher-training programmes have been rejected due to a lack of available places.
In the university sector, however, the main changes concern the names of the qualifications awarded by institutions of higher education in the arts, music and dance (AFAM): first- and second-level academic diplomas will be renamed bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees, respectively.
