The cabinet yesterday approved changes to financial assistance packages previously approved for workers impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Under the new set-up, workers' monthly contribution to the Social Security Scheme will be cut from 221 baht to 86 baht. Labour Minister Chatu Mongol Sonakul said the cabinet also approved the ministry's proposal to lower self-employed workers' monthly contributions into the Social Security Fund.
The cabinet had also agreed to adjust financial aid for workers who have lost their jobs or were suspended due to the outbreak, government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said.
People whose employers were ordered by the government to stop operating as part of virus containment measures will now be entitled to receive 62% of their daily wages for up to 90 days but no more than 15,000 baht a month, she said. Initially, this group was entitled to receive 50% of their wages.
Those who lost their jobs because their employers cannot continue operating due to the outbreak will also receive 62% of their wages, but for no more than 90 days, she said. Initially this group was entitled to 50% of their wages for up to 180 days.
The minister said the packages were adjusted to ensure the workers registered under the Social Security Scheme being impacted by the outbreak get no less than 5000 baht a month in financial help for up to three months. The government had earlier announced it was giving 5,000 baht in financial aid for up to three months to workers who do not subscribe to the scheme.