According to the President’s statement of 23 March 2020, The National Government is in consultation on a proposal for a special dispensation for companies that are in distress because of COVID-19.
Through this proposal, employees will receive wage payment through the Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), which will enable companies to pay employees directly during this period and avoid retrenchment. According to the President’s statement of 23 March 2020, details relating to the TERS will be made available within the next few days.
He also stated that if it becomes necessary, the National Government will utilise the reserves within the UIF system to extend support to those workers in SMEs and other vulnerable firms who are faced with a loss of income and whose companies are unable to provide support. Details of these will be made available within the next few days.