gov.cn (26.01.2021)

Considering that the risk of the pandemic still exists, some enterprises may be under great financial pressure, the policy of phased reduction of premium rates of unemployment insurance and work injury insurance will be extended for another year until 30 April 2022.

EU Reporter (29.03.2021) The European Commission has published the March 2021 edition of the Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) Quarterly Review, with a thematic focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-employed. The review shows that this group has experienced a strong reduction of their working time and more severe income losses than employees in most member states. National social protection systems typically provide lower coverage and compensation for the self-employed.

Eurofound (March 2021) This report sets out to assess the initial impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment in Europe (up to Q2 2020), including its effects across sectors and on different categories of workers. It also looks at measures implemented by policymakers in a bid to limit the negative effects of the crisis. It first provides an overview of policy approaches adopted to mitigate the impact of the crisis on businesses, workers and citizens.

Official Gazette Jordan (16.04.2020) The Tadamun (Solidarity in Arabic) I and II programs is a work suspension allowance targeted to both work institutions covered under social security (Tadamun I) and for those excluded from it (Tadamun II). Tadamun I applies to employers that have contributed for at least 12 months to the Social Security Corporation (SSC).

EURACTIV.com (04.03.2020) An EU reinsurance scheme to support national unemployment benefits was not part of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan presented on Thursday (4 March), although the European Commission has been supportive of the idea.

ilo.org (23.02.2021)

Up to 17,000 garment workers in Lao PDR affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are to each receive two months’ emergency income support worth 900,000 LAK (approximately US$100). Eligible beneficiaries, of whom 85 per cent are women, will receive the cash transfers by the end of March.

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

Ministry of Labour Barbados (16.07.2020) Government’s Employability Project fits well within the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) policy framework, says ILO Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Claudia Coenjaerts. Addressing the launch of the Employability Project, on Wednesday, Ms. Coenjaerts pointed out that the ILO policy framework to tackle the COVID-19 crisis was based on international labour standards and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

National Insurance Board Bahamas (02.11.2020) The National Insurance Board has extended the Unemployment Programme effective October 1, 2020. This second extension impacts those individuals who remain unemployed after the completion of the first 13 weeks extension and runs until 31st December, 2020. This second extension programme pays at $100 per week, every 2 weeks. Unlike the previous NIB unemployment programme, you will still be eligible for partial assistance even if you work for part of the week.