EYEWITNESS NEWS (30.03.2020) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest has announced the expansion of the unemployment assistance programme for self-employed persons outside of the tourism sector.

Federal Department of Economics, Education and Research (26.08.2020) Bern, - Additional hours that are built up outside of short-time working phases should not have to be temporarily deducted from lost work. This was decided by the Federal Council on August 26, 2020. In addition, income from interim employment is still not counted towards short-time work compensation. This rule therefore applies until the end of the year.

National Provident Fund (10.08.2020) FNPF members who are on reduced hours and reduced wage rate can apply for Phase 3 commencing 10 August 2020. Government top is applicable in Phase 3 for members who have insufficient General Account balance. The amount per member is from $220 to $880 for members who are on reduced working hours/day per week depending on reduced days. The amount is $550 for members whose wage/salary rates per hour is reduced up to 50%, and $1.110 for members whose wage/salary rates per hour is reduced by more than 50%.

National Provident Fund (09.06.2020) FNPF members who have been Unemployed from 1 October 2019 or have just become Unemployed or are on Leave Without Pay can apply for Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Withdrawal Scheme commencing 9 June 2020. The amount is $1,100 (Government top up applicable) or $880 for members who received $220 on 5 June (Fully funded by Government).

Druk Gyalpo's Relief Kidu (20.07.2020) The Relief Kidu has been extended for three months, from July to September 2020. Bhutanese who have been displaced by the coronavirus pandemic and are currently residing in Bhutan are eligible for the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu. The displaced group includes those who have been laid off, placed on unpaid leave or on reduced pay from businesses as well as self-employed individuals who have lost their earnings either partially or completely. The Kidu amount has been revised to Nu. 10,000 for the full amount and Nu.