Coronavirus: labour minister announced latest relief schemes

The labour ministry on Tuesday announced the latest relief schemes available for businesses, employees and self-employed persons as a result of the two-week coronavirus-related lockdown running from April 26 to May 9.

Due to the restrictions on how many persons may be at the workplace at any given time, and also the two-week closure of most retail outlets, for the period in question the ministry is offering among others: a special workplace absence benefit for parents taking care of their children; and subsidies of employees’ wages for businesses/companies forced to fully suspend their operations.

The latter now include hair salons and beauty salons.

The new schemes are promulgated by the labour minister via regulatory administrative acts, which carry the force of a decree. They are already in force, having been published in the government gazette.

The aid is intended to keep businesses afloat and preserve jobs.