The labor ministry has detailed plans to help employees affected by the economic crunch brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The outbreak has heavily impacted Taiwan’s economy. Slumping demand and shortages of parts and raw materials have led to a significant slowdown in the tourism, aviation, automotive, and electronics industries in particular. Many companies have announced plans to cut production and put employees on leave.
At a Legislature briefing session Thursday, Deputy Labor Minister Lin San-quei said that the ministry has prepared a budget of NT$4.1 billion (US$138 million) to help those affected by the slowing economy. These include workers who have had their hours cut, those who have lost their jobs outright, and those involved in micro-enterprise start-ups.
Lin said the ministry has also begun providing up to NT$3.5 million (US$120,000) in subsidies to companies that offer employee training programs.