February 8, 2021
1 min read

NZ announces ‘STAP’ to back businesses

“This payment will help reduce financial pressure on businesses and encourage them to continue their valuable role in keeping COVID-19 in check,” said Minister….reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand employers can receive government payments from Tuesday onwards over the absence of their workers who cannot work from home while awaiting a Covid-19 test result, according to a government statement issued on Monday.

The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP), a part of the government’s Business Support Package, reinforces its commitment to helping businesses and their employees navigate the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Business has a key role to play in helping New Zealand navigate the Covid-19 pandemic,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said in the statement.

“Testing for Covid-19 remains a critical ongoing element in our elimination strategy. We need people to take the test if they feel unwell and removing any barriers is important,” Sepuloni said.

From Tuesday, the affected businesses can contact the ministry and apply for a one-off NZ$350($252) payment per head for such employees, according to her.

“This payment will help reduce financial pressure on businesses and encourage them to continue their valuable role in keeping COVID-19 in check,” the Minister said.

The STAP program also covers household contacts or secondary contacts who stay at home in line with public health guidance while waiting for a close contact to get a test result, she added.

Also read:New Zealand top world test rankings for first time

Previous Story

Israel begins easing lockdown curbs

Next Story

Team India need 420 to win first Test

Latest from -Top News

Uganda’s President Museveni to seek reelection

The upcoming general elections will not only determine the presidency but also see voters elect lawmakers to the national assembly Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is set to seek reelection for another term

Eritrea seeks to end UN probe into abuses

The mandate in question is held by the Special Rapporteur, a position currently occupied by Sudanese human rights lawyer Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker In a rare and potentially precedent-setting move, Eritrea is attempting

Alps Turn to ‘Swiss Cheese’

Switzerland’s reliance on glacial runoff for hydroelectric power faces growing risk — as glaciers shrink, short-term water flow may rise, but long-term shortages could threaten energy and water supplies. Switzerland’s glaciers —

Burn Notice for Europe

As summer unfolds, Europe is bracing for what may be the first of many extreme heatwaves. Europe braced for its first major heatwave of the northern hemisphere summer on Saturday, with soaring
Go toTop