Government expands Essential Workers’ Leave Support
As from Friday, 1 May businesses can make application to the Ministry of Social Development for Workers’ Leave Support.
Under the broadened criteria, the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme will be available to all businesses, organisations and self-employment people, not just essential services. The other criteria remain the same, including that businesses must be experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
Employers and employees should work together to identify if employees are eligible for the support and agree what their leave and payment arrangements will be during the self-isolation period.
Payments will be for four weeks with the option for businesses to reapply for those same workers after four weeks or make further applications for additional workers who are eligible at any time while the Scheme remains open.
Employers cannot receive the Leave Support Scheme and the Wage Subsidy for the same person.
The State Sector is excluded from the Scheme.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions about COVID_19 Leave Support Scheme, please contact our specialist Employment Team