GENDER GAP: INTERMINISTERIAL DECREE ON THE MOST AFFECTED SECTORS AND PROFESSIONS
The Interministerial Decree of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies in agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of 31 December 2025 no. 3795 identified for the year 2026 the sectors and professions characterized by a gender gap that exceeds the average gender gap by at least 25%, based on calculations made by ISTAT in relation to the annual average for 2024, for the application of the hiring incentives referred to in Article 4, paragraphs 8-11, of Law 92/2012.
These incentives consist of a 50% reduction in social security contributions for employers who hire unemployed workers over the age of 50 and women of any age who do not have regular paid employment.
The sectors affected by gender inequality are identified in Table A, which forms an integral part of the decree, and are agriculture, industry and services.
On the other hand, the professions listed in Table B—also an integral part of the decree—include, among others, the following:
- entrepreneurs, administrators and directors of large companies;
- specialists in STEM subjects;
- members of legislative and government bodies;
- in the armed forces: sergeants, superintendents and marshals, troops and officers
