Wage supplement, validity of government vouchers extended until end of October

The COVID-19 wage supplement and the validity of the government-issued vouchers have been extended until the end of October, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Wednesday.

Abela was speaking during a dialogue meeting with the members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. He said that by the end of October the government will announce the 2021 National Budget, which will include details of longer term measures for government assistance to businesses and a revision of the current wage supplement model looking beyond October.

“In the upcoming budget we intend to boost our economy, similar to how we had done so last June. It will, however, be more comprehensive as we will look beyond businesses and continue to ensure that we improve the standard of living for pensioners and those on the lower income spectrum.”

The wage supplement is probably the most significant measure introduced by the government in its economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Announced last March, businesses are classified according to the effect that the pandemic has had on them. These businesses are eligible to apply for a financial supplement which goes towards the salaries of their employees.

Over 100,000 workers have received the wage supplement since it was introduced.

Meanwhile, the government’s set of vouchers was a stimulus measure which was introduced in a government ‘mini-budget’, wherein all those living in Malta received €100 in vouchers to use at various types of outlets such as restaurants, accommodation establishments, and retail stores that were impacted by the pandemic.

These were initially only valid until the end of September.

Abela said that the 2021 Budget has five pillars, good governance, economic growth and better quality of life, improving infrastructure, education and achieving carbon neutral by 2050. “In a few short months we have created a system based on discussions with the Venice Commission on a democratic European vision.”

Speaking about the Moneyval report, Abela stated that a lot of hard work is being done and that significant progress has been registered, with the focus of all efforts being on reaching the targets in time. “My government is fully committed to ensuring that the Police Force’s technical staff, especially those in the financial crimes unit, have adequate resources.”

He highlighted that prior to 2013, the FIAU budget was half a million euros and just 10 people were employed there, while now the budget is over €10 million with over 100 people employed.

He said that in the past eight months; the government has constantly faced challenges and taken on difficult strategic decisions. “A good work ethic, with no honeymoon period. We were constantly faced with taking difficult strategic decisions. Was the handling of the pandemic perfect? I am confident that time will judge our approach as we were efficient, and we found the perfect delicate balance of protecting lives and livelihoods.”

Abela also mentioned the reopening of schools, which have been closed now for six months. “The final decisions will be taken in accordance with the scientific advice which health Authorities give us.”