More employees are returning to work, but there's still an increase in people with reduced work hours. Taiwan's labor ministry announced on Thursday that the number of furloughed workers has decreased by 22,000 in the past two weeks. But an additional 181 families have seen reduced work hours.
These most recent salary cuts affect 2,166 people. In total, this brings the number of families with reduced work shifts to 3,638.
The ministry says that the hotel and food service industries account for over 900 of the people affected by the most recent round of salary cuts. That's a larger increase than any other industry.
Travel agencies are also struggling for business because of strict regulations and quarantine protocol for travelers. Taiwan is still under a Level 2 COVID-19 alert, so many feel that they should put their health and safety before any travel plans.
Labor ministry official Wang Chin-jung says that these three industries all require customers coming directly to the businesses. Wang says that the number of furloughed workers peaked in August, and has since been on a gradual decline.
Although the number of employees on furlough or left with reduced work hours is still an issue, Wang says the situation should continue to improve, especially as the pandemic comes under control again.