Summer Layoffs Show High Recidivism, Affecting Women Disproportionately

A special report by the Israel Employment Service reveals that a significant portion of "summer layoffs", employees dismissed in June-July and rehired in September-October to avoid paying them during vacation months, are repeat offenders. Nearly half of those laid off this summer were also dismissed last year. The phenomenon disproportionately affects women, comprising 86% of summer layoffs, largely due to the high numbers of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) teachers and caregivers in these roles.

While the overall number of summer layoffs is projected to decrease in 2026 to approximately 15,000, down from 20,100 in 2025 and 15,800 in 2024, the rate of repeat dismissals remains a major concern. The report indicates that about 48.9% of summer layoffs in 2026 were also dismissed in 2025, and 36.4% of those had also been laid off in 2024. Over the years, around 37% of summer layoff recipients have returned to employment offices at least twice, 19% at least three times, and 11% at least four times.

The risk of repeated layoffs is particularly high for Haredim, those in teaching support roles, post-elementary education, sports, and animal husbandry, especially individuals aged 55 and older. The report highlights that the state, by supporting institutions that engage in these practices, is effectively complicit in this cycle of job insecurity. The analysis also shows a correlation between age and repeated layoffs, with individuals aged 35-54 being 34% more likely and those 55 and older being 53% more likely to be repeat summer layoff recipients compared to those under 34.

Despite the cyclical nature of these dismissals, summer layoff recipients utilize significantly fewer unemployment days than other job seekers. Those eligible for a maximum of 175 unemployment days used an average of only 4.3 days, compared to 132.3 days for other job seekers in the same category. Einbal Mashash, Director General of the Employment Service, stated that this creates cumulative damage to employees' job continuity, income, seniority, and social rights. The Employment Service views identifying this subgroup as a crucial step toward developing targeted solutions.