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Coronavirus highlights sick pay void for platform workers

Submitted by pmassetti on

Eurofound (19.03.2020) The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is starting to have a serious impact on the world economy. The consequences for platform workers are especially severe in light of forced work stoppages due to self-isolation and lack of sick pay in many cases. Recent media coverage shows that platform workers in the transport sector (ride hailing and food delivery) are most affected, while professional services performed online (such as remote consultations with health professionals) could help to reduce the pressure on health systems.

Regions / Country
Europe
Topics
Cash sickness benefits
Digital Economy Topical Cluster
Digital Platforms
Document Type

Canada: Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds

Submitted by mmarquez on

canada.ca (25.03.2020)

Ottawa’s measures will reduce the amount Canadians will be mandated to withdraw by 25 per cent this year amid concerns seniors will be forced to sell assets into a heavily discounted market, thus reducing the potential long-term value of their retirement portfolios in the event of an equity market resurgence. The Canadian government said the measure would cost $495 million of its $82-billion economic response plan announced on Wednesday. 

Regions / Country
canada
Global challenges
Topics
Family benefits
Old-age pensions

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Denmark: Danish corona-hit firms get state aid to pay 75% of salaries

Submitted by mmarquez on

euractiv.com (15.03.2020) Denmark’s government told private companies struggling with drastic measures to curb the spread of coronavirus that it would cover 75% of employees’ salaries, if they promised not to cut staff. Under the three-month aid period that will last until June 9, the state offers to pay 75% of employees’ salaries at a maximum of 23,000 Danish crowns ($3,418) per month, while the companies pay the remaining 25%. “If there’s a big drop in activity, and production is halted, we understand the need to send home employees.

Regions / Country
denmark
Global challenges
Topics
Unemployment

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Document Type

Colombia: Reconexión de agua a población vulnerable y giro adicional a Familias en Acción

Submitted by mmarquez on

colombia.com (18.03.2020)

Iván Duque señaló que se implementarán medidas para la población más vulnerable, por lo que se les realizarán giros adicionales a todos los beneficiaron de los programas Familias en Acción, Jóvenes en Acción, y Adulto Mayor.

Regions / Country
colombia
Global challenges
Topics
Old-age pensions
Social assistance
Document Type

Brazil: Government will distribute R$ 200 to informal workers

Submitted by mmarquez on

folha.uol.com.br (18.03.2020) As part of the plan to combat the new coronavirus, the government announced on Wednesday (18) that it will grant vouchers to transfer money to the portion of the population that has no formal work and does not receive resources from programs such as Bolsa Família and BPC (Benefit from Continued Installment). Minister Paulo Guedes (Economy) announced the measure in an interview at the Planalto Palace. According to him, another government action will be to pay part of the salaries of workers of micro and small companies that commit to not firing employees.

Regions / Country
brazil
Global challenges
Topics
Social assistance

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Brazil: Extension of over 1 million beneficiaries to Bolsa Família

Submitted by mmarquez on

g1.globo.com (16.03.2020)  Announcement of the measures, which foresee an injection of R $ 147.3 billion in the economy, was made on Monday by Minister Paulo Guedes. Package expands credit to retirees and small businesses.

Regions / Country
brazil
Global challenges
Topics
Family benefits
Social assistance
Conditional cash transfers
Document Type

Bolivia: Gobierno crea el Bono Familia, flexibiliza pago de adeudos y prohíbe corte de servicios básicos

Submitted by mmarquez on

noticiasfides.com (18.03.2020) La presidenta Jeanine Añez anunció este miércoles cuatro medidas económicas para ayudar a sectores de la población considerados más afectados por las consecuencias de la pandemia del coronavirus. Una de las medidas es la creación del Bono Familia, que busca contribuir en la alimentación de los hijos de las familias de escasos recursos.

Regions / Country
bolivia
Global challenges
Topics
Family benefits
Social assistance
Document Type