The World Bank (March 2021) The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the largest economic downturns since the Great Depression. Beyond its devastating effect on health, morbidity, and mortality, the pandemic shook economies and labor markets around the globe, leaving no firm, worker, and household untouched. Governments responded to the crisis with a series of public health and containment measures that deeply affected societies and economies, including the supply and demand for goods, capital, and labor.

Monash University (12.04.2021) As the pandemic-related shutdown intensified across Australia from March 2020, temporary and undocumented migrants and their advocates warned of devastating impacts on migrant workers and international students who were simultaneously losing their incomes while being excluded from social security benefits.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan (08.03.2021) The exceptional treatment of Employment Adjustment Subsidy is extended until 30 April 2021. The subsidy scheme covers part of leave allowances companies pay to furloughed workers. Typically up to two-thirds of the allowances were covered by the program, with the upper limit set at ¥8,370 per day per employee. But under special measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 crisis up to the full amount is covered, with the daily cap set at ¥15,000.

Minesterioa de Economía y Finanzas (03.02.2021) As of February 1, 2021, the payment of the Bond Against Hunger reached more than 3.8 million Bolivians, covering 93% of the total universe of beneficiaries, with an outlay of Bs3,877 million, reported the Vice Minister of Pensions and Financial Services, Ivette Espinoza.

National Insurance Service (15.02.2021) The National Insurance Office wishes to advise the public that the February 15, 2021 payment deadline for January 2021 contributions, has been extended until March 2, 2021. Payments made after this date will attract interest. The public is reminded that contribution payments can be made online through EZpay+, via wire or bank transfer or placed in our drop boxes located at the Frank Walcott Building. For further payment information, please visit www.nis.gov.bb.

Newswire Quebec (12.02.2021) Individuals who have received COVID-19 assistance benefits will be exempt from paying interest on their 2020 tax balance for a one-year period. This measure is intended to provide relief to those who have been impacted by the pandemic.

SuperSubsidio Colombia (25.11.2020) The family compensation funds offered a financial compensation of 160,000 Colombian pesos to unemployed persons approved by decree 801 of 2020. This is a different benefit from the one the Unemployment Protection Mechanism due to Covid-19 (Decree 488 of 2020). The benefit was awarded until November 30th and was payable for three months.

Banco de Previsión Social (08.01.2021) In order to promote the conservation and creation of employment in the tourism sector, the Social Security Bank (BPS) is implementing the granting of a contribution determined by the Executive Power for companies in the sector that, between December 1, 2020 and on March 31, 2021, reinstate those workers covered by unemployment benefits for the cause of total suspension or incorporate new workers. The contribution consists of a non-refundable monthly amount of 8,000 pesos, paid for a maximum of four months for each worker that the company rejo

Banco de Previsión Social (12.02.2021) As of Friday, February 12, the payment of the second extraordinary installment will be available for beneficiaries of family allowances for the Equity Plan and the special item for the boys and girls included in the CEIP School Meal Plan. This is an item whose amount is equivalent to the usual collection of the benefit, to be paid in two installments: the first was paid in January and the second will be paid from February 12, both in banks and in decentralized collection centers.

Banco de Previsión Social (14.01.2021). Due to the continuing health emergency situation, the sickness benefit for workers aged 65 and over will be extended until February 28. Workers aged 65 or over who cannot perform their usual tasks at home and are covered by sickness allowance from December 20, 2020, may remain in isolation with the right to this allowance until February 28, as determined and communicate the companies to the BPS.