COVID-19 – Government Support

Following the direction to Alert Level 4 last night, the Government has announced its support to businesses by way of the Wage Subsidy Scheme, Resurgence Support Payment, Leave Support Scheme and Short Term Absence Payment. 

Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)

Available nationally to assist businesses to continue to pay employees and protect jobs.  Eligibility is dependant on the business expecting a loss of 40% revenue as a result of the increased Alert Level announced on 17 August 2021.  The rates have been increased to reflect increased wages being $600 per week per full time employee and $359 per part time employee 

Leave Support Scheme (LSS)

Provides a two week lump sum payment of $585.80 per week for full time employees or $350 per week for part time employees who are required to self-isolate and cannot work from home.  From 24 August 2021, the payment will increase to $600 per week for full-time workers and $359 per week for part-time workers.

Short Term Absence Payment (STAP)

A one-off payment of $350 payment for employees who cannot work due to a COVID-19 test and are not able to work from home.  The “one off payment” element of the STAP means once per 30 days. 

Resurgence Support Payment (RSS)

Available nationally to assist businesses with one-off costs where they have incurred a loss of 30% of revenue as a result of the Alert Level increase on 17 August 2021.  It is worth $1,500 plus $400 per full time equivalent employee up to a maximum of 50 full time employees.  Unlike the WSS, the RSS does not have to be applied directly to wages.  Eligible businesses can apply for both WSS and RSS.

Further information on the WSS, LSS and STAP can be found on the WINZ Website

Further information on applying for the RSS is available at the IRD Website

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Shelley Kopu

Employment Relations Partner