The Labour Minister’s Assistant emphasized for the departments under the Ministry of Labour in every province to accelerate the collection of information on the assistance and needs of businesses and employees affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Assistant to the Labour Minister Dr. Duangrit Benjathukul Chairungrueng said that Labour Minister M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul showed concern about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. He ordered a video conference via video conference with government agencies in every province to advise departments to accelerate the collection of information on the need for the assistance of companies and employees affected by the spread of COVID-19, especially in the tourism industry, such as hotels, restaurants, and department stores. He asked for daily reports to go to the Ministry of Labour’s “Operation Support Center for Unemployment from the Impact of COVID-19”, to aid as needed. From discussions with businesses, including suggestions on the impact of the virus, it was found that in the short-term, companies and employers want the government to support with masks and alcohol gel to wash hands for use in the workplace, and with employees and customers. For long-term measures, support is needed for recruitment in the case of terminations and additional vocational training for employees. They also requested that the Social Security Fund provide low-interest credit lines, for example.
Dr. Duangrit said further that the Ministry of Labour has measures to help establishments and employees. The Department of Employment, which has a primary mission in promoting jobs to the people, has prepared job vacancies for over 80,000 laid-off employees. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has checked information on establishments in risk groups for employment termination, while also providing knowledge and taking care of employee benefits in case of termination to ensure employees receive legal benefits. The Department of Skill Development has prepared various courses to upskill workers, to meet the needs of the workplace. The Social Security Office will join to create awareness about the spread of the COVID-19 and self-care of insured employees in the workplace as well.
Division of Public Relations
17 March 2020
