Focus Taiwan
Date: 04/02/2020
By: Wu Chia-jong and Matthew Mazzetta
Taipei, April 2 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday put forth a plan to allocate NT$150 billion (US$5 billion) in aid to workers in Taiwan affected by the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the country's labor market.
According to Minister without Portfolio Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫), the proposed special budget of NT$150 billion will be used to prevent mass unemployment in industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the plan, the government will pay subsidies to 1.92 million employees in industries reeling under the economic impact of the coronavirus, Kung said, adding that the number represents 16.67 percent of Taiwan's workforce.
Over a three-month period, the 1.92 million workers will receive 40 percent of their regular salary, he said at a press conference after the Cabinet met to draft the aid package. [FULL STORY]
