From 1pm on 21 August 2020, eligibility for payments under this scheme will no longer require the employer’s business to have suffered a 30% decline in revenue.  The payment under this scheme is a lump sum payment of 4 weeks per employee from the submission date of the application with the weekly payment rates being as they are for the wage subsidy payment - $585.80 for full time employees (20 hours plus a week) and $350 for part time employees (20 hours or less a week).

Payments under this scheme are in respect of employees who cannot work because they:

- Have tested positive for COVID-19 and are required to remain off work until they have been cleared by a health professional to be released from self-isolation;

o   Have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 and must self-isolate for 14 days as required by Ministry of Health guidelines;

o   Are at higher risk if they get COVID-19 and Ministry of Health guidelines recommend they stay a home while public health restrictions are in place; or

o   Have household members who are at higher risk if they get COVID-19 and the Ministry of Health recommends the employee also remains at home to reduce the risk to them.

It is noted that applications for this payment made before 1 pm on 21 August 2020 will still need to meet a 30% decline in revenue test.

Refer to https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/leave-support-scheme/index.html for further details.

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Author: Sheelagh McLeay

Principal

Campbell Tyson Limited