Employers may get loans with zero percent interest to pay workers during work suspension

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting of Government standing members on March 31 (Photo: VNA) 

Hanoi, (VNA) – Providing loans with zero percent interest for business owners to pay their workers during the time the businesses have to suspend operation is one of the solutions proposed at a meeting of the Government’s standing members on March 31.

The meeting was held to work out measures to ensure social security, including specific support packages for both workers and their employers in case the number of workers covered by social insurance of a business is reduced by half or more compared to the month before the announcement of the epidemic.  

Representatives from ministries and sectors suggested allowing workers and businesses to postpone the payment of unemployment insurance premiums without having to pay interest for the duration of the delay.

They also asked the Government to allow the provision of funding from the unemployment insurance fund to help businesses restructure, modernize production technology and enhance skills for their workers.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the Government sympathises with the difficulties faced by organisations and individuals. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing heavy impacts on not only business and production activities and the State budget, but also the life of people, especially the poor and workers who lose their jobs.

Therefore, the issue will be put on the table at the Government’s regular March meeting on April 1, with a resolution to be adopted to be the basis for the rapid and effective provision of support to those in need, the PM said, adding that this is the responsibility of the Party and State towards the poor, those in disadvantaged circumstances and the vulnerable groups in the current situation./.