Hanoi, (VNA) – Providing loans with zeropercent interest for business owners to pay their workers during the time thebusinesses have to suspend operation is one of the solutions proposed at ameeting of the Government’s standing members on March 31.
The meeting was held to work out measures to ensuresocial security, including specific support packages for both workers and their employers in case the number of workers covered by social insurance of a businessis reduced by half or more compared to the month before the announcement of theepidemic.
Representatives from ministries and sectors suggestedallowing workers and businesses to postpone the payment of unemploymentinsurance premiums without having to pay interest for the duration of the delay.
They also asked the Government to allow theprovision 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 Governmentsympathises with the difficulties faced by organisations and individuals. Henoted that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing heavy impacts on not only businessand 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 atthe Government’s regular March meeting on April 1, with a resolution to beadopted to be the basis for the rapid and effective provision of support tothose in need, the PM said, adding that this is the responsibility of the Partyand State towards the poor, those in disadvantaged circumstances and thevulnerable groups in the current situation./.