This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui's recent revelation has shed light on the severity of the situation. In an interview, he revealed that his office received 300,000 notices from employers seeking to lay off workers in just one week.
Many companies and businesses have been severely impacted by the rising COVID-19 infections, forcing them to cut back on operations and shed staff. In a bid to stay afloat, some employers have even slashed salaries by up to 30 per cent for certain staff members, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet.
With the cost of living on the rise and production levels plummeting, the situation is expected to worsen unless drastic measures are taken. The government cannot force employers to continue operations, but it may be in the best interest of both parties to consider special stimulus packages to ease the pressure on industries.
During these challenging times, it is essential that employers do not rush to lay off employees without exploring alternative solutions. This calls for sacrifices from all parties involved, including employers, to help the country navigate this difficult period.
