Furlough

Ljubljana – During the Covid-19 epidemic, companies received various forms of state aid. Some were not so badly affected and will now have to repay the received subsidies. According to an estimate by the Slovenian Financial Administration (FURS), this amounts to just under EUR 90 million, just over 4% of the total amount paid out.

Ljubljana – Finance says on Monday that true picture of the economy will soon show as subsidised furlough and monthly universal basic income expire at the end of June being probably one of the two key state measures to fight the consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic. There are some concerns, which is understandable, it adds.

Ljubljana – The government decided on Wednesday to extend the furlough scheme by another month, until the end of June, in a bid to reduce the risk that companies facing slow demand or a negative productivity shock start laying off workers.

Ljubljana – Partial wage subsidy for furloughed workers has been extended into May. This is a measure to reduce the risk of companies deciding to lay off workers as they face a reduced demand or negative shocks in productivity related to the Covid-19 epidemic, the government has said.

Ljubljana – The government has extended several measures aimed at helping individuals and businesses get through the epidemic. The measures would have expired at the end of the month, but have now been extended until the end of June. The furlough scheme, which expires at the end of April, has not be extended yet.

Ljubljana – The Trade Union of Hospitality and Tourism has made another stern appeal to the government to help the sector during the epidemic, including by a reasonable easing of coronavirus restrictions across the country, by increasing subsides for furloughed workers and expanding the use of tourist vouchers beyond accommodation facilities.

All workers in Attica, Patra, Halkida, Rethymno and other areas of the country under strict lockdown will need to have with them new documents proving their employment as of Monday, as the state intends to crack down on people going out for reasons other than work despite the measures against the pandemic.

State revenues were 20% below target last month, according to the Finance Ministry's latest data, forcing it to revise its plans on the side of caution.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Labour Committee is discussing the eighth economic stimulus bill, worth around EUR 320 million. Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj said that with the bill, the government wanted to find the middle ground with social partners by taking into account their proposals as much as possible.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Labour Committee is expected to approve the new coronavirus crisis stimulus bill on Monday. The government-proposed bill brings EUR 320 million in aid, with employers eagerly awaiting the extension of the furlough subsidy scheme and partial cover of new expenses arising with the increase in minimum pay.