Proper use of schemes

OAG recommends ministry develop SOPs

THE Ministry of Economy (MoE) should clearly define the meaning of an “Informal Sector” with appropriate parameters so that eligibility for financial assistance is correctly assessed for eligible applicants.

This was one of the recommendations by the Auditor-General in his report, COVID-19 Compliance –– Management of Unemployment Benefits that was tabled in Parliament recently.

Th OAG found $6885.50 was paid to recipients who had been assisted in both the informal sector for businesses that also received assistance under the unemployment benefit through the MoE $150, and also from FNPF under the COVID-19 financial assistance government subsidy to formal sectors

“MoE should put into place measures so that applicants are not financially assisted twice by separate schemes through different mediums,” the OAG stated.

The OAG said the COVID-19 unemployment benefit subsidy through the FNPF “can be better managed”.

“MoE can develop and design detailed SOPs (standard operating procedures) for similar programs undertaken by Government so that staffs are able carry out tasks correctly and consistently to reduce variation within a given process.

“Processes and procedures for early of detection of payments made in error or overpayments can result in significant savings in time, effort and costs instead of determining and effecting recoveries after significant time lapse.”

MoE should put into place measures so that applicants are not financially assisted twice

– OAG