Proposed Unemployment Benefit For 3 Months
The Government is working to provide an unemployment benefit for individuals who are out of work due to the economic impact of Covid-19, Minister Lovitta Foggo said, adding that the “proposed period for this unemployment benefit is three months, after which workers may apply for financial assistance.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta F. Foggo, JP, MP announced today that the Government is working to provide an unemployment benefit for individuals who are out of work due to the economic impact of Covid-19. Minister Foggo advised that a task force has been created to implement the unemployment benefit scheme.”
Minister Foggo said, “We appreciate that these are unprecedented and uncertain times, particularly for employees who may be facing unemployment due to business closures. So this Government is trying to be sensitive to the needs and hardship that our residents may face.
“To be clear, this unemployment benefit is not intended to be a substitute for financial assistance. The proposed period for this unemployment benefit is three (3) months, after which workers may apply for financial assistance. The policy will be administered through the Department of Workforce Development.”
A spokesperson added, “Minister Foggo confirmed that further details are being finalised regarding the unemployment benefit. However, the aim is to ensure that the programme is operational by Monday March 23, 2020, at which time, the Minister will further update the public.
“The Minister also commended Riihilouma’s Flying Colours for the social conscience they have displayed in spite of the business impact of COVID 19, by ensuring that those workers they have had to lay off are still being provided health insurance coverage.
“Minister Foggo said that actions such as these will go a long way in helping us all to manage through this crisis period. And she encourages employers to do all that they can to assist their employees.”
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As the statement refers to “individuals” I hope this option will be available to work permit holders also (assuming their permit remains active while employers attempt to restart their businesses).
I’m sure this will apply to work permit holders. I can’t possibly see how the Gov’t can discriminate here. I’d think it would cover any resident, just as long as they genuinely need it. We can’t have people getting paid by their employer and then request Gov’t assistance as well. I hope this will be properly vetted.
” I can’t possibly see how the Gov’t can discriminate here”
Really?
budget?
Including guest workers with work permits?
After all, Bermudians are eligible in the UK.
Probably not they were ready to kick them off the island for lying on a form so..
Bermudians are British citizens and entitled to a British passport, migrant workers shouldn’t be entitled to anything
This government has no money; all debt and increasing. There are no contingency plans. Quo Fata Ferunt!
I do not recall Government compensating the people the used to teach Community Education courses when those courses were scrapped. Will they now get compensation for the work Government took away from them?
Thats a great move, falls in line with whats being done in other parts of the world, what however can be done for businesses who have to close, they need to still pay rent and corporation tax without support they wont re open
“what however can be done for businesses who have to close, they need to still pay rent and corporation tax without support they wont re open”
Hopefully Government will provide money to those businesses that have to close so they do not go bankrupt.