The government is introducing a wage support program that could prevent an avalanche of new layoffs. The salary subsidy will cover part of the companies' salary costs for employees. This includes workers who would otherwise be laid off temporarily or laid off as a result of strict national infection control measures.
Since infection control rules have been tightened up, it looks grim to many
Several thousand people have already been notified of the redundancies. That is why it was important for us to introduce a generous payroll program that protects companies and ordinary workers, says LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik.
The LO leader now makes a clear appeal to those employers who had already sent their employees dismissal notices before Christmas.
- Withdraw notices of dismissal. Instead, take advantage of the Salary Supplement program and keep your job where possible.
Also in workplaces that have already made workers redundant, this program will be able to help them return to work quickly.
- The wage support program that the parties have introduced together with the government is a good and effective program. It's a system that can be an alternative to layoffs for many companies, says Hessen Følsvik.
The program will be able to support up to NOK 30 per person
Firms facing a decline in turnover due to tighter infection control policies can take advantage of the new payroll support system. The program will be able to support up to NOK 30 per person. The subsidy is granted per eligible employee monthly. The amount will be adjusted depending on the number of cases in the company. Wage support is provided to companies that can indicate a decline in turnover of at least 000%. Companies benefiting from the program will receive support for all their employees. The program also applies to apprentices.
LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik points out that the program provides several opportunities that are good for both employees and the companies they work for.
- Wage support will primarily help to keep people in positions where it is possible. The program can also be used to build competences in the company.
Source: National Labor Organization in Norway LO
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