WELLINGTON: New Zealand employers can receive government payments from Tuesday onwards over the absence of their workers who cannot work from home while awaiting a Covid-19 test result, according to a government statement issued on Monday.
The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP), a part of the government's Business Support Package, reinforces its commitment to helping businesses and their employees navigate the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.
"Business has a key role to play in helping New Zealand navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, " Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said in the statement.
"Testing for Covid-19 remains a critical ongoing element in our elimination strategy. We need people to take the test if they feel unwell and removing any barriers is important, " Sepuloni said.
From Tuesday, the affected businesses can contact the ministry and apply for a one-off NZ$350($252) payment per head for such employees, according to her.
"This payment will help reduce financial pressure on businesses and encourage them to continue their valuable role in keeping COVID-19 in check, " the Minister said.
The STAP program also covers household contacts or secondary contacts who stay at home in line with public health guidance while waiting for a close contact to get a test result, she added.