We feel that there should be an additional Job Support Scheme (JSS) payout for Jun 2020 wages (computed based on Dec 2019) for employers who are not allowed to resume operations in Phase 1 re-opening on 2 Jun 2020.

It is very heartening to hear that the May 2020 Fortitude Budget has extended the to cover wages paid in Aug 2020. In addition, employers not yet allowed to resume operations will continue to receive 75% wage support, during the period for which they are not allowed to resume operations, or until Aug 2020, whichever is earlier.

We believe that most employers will do their best to pay salaries and retain jobs. However, this is very challenging for employers who are unable to operate in Phase 1. Without any viable source of income, this group of employers have to dig into their own limited company reserves in order pay their employees for June 2020, or perhaps even longer until they are allowed to resume operations. Furthermore, the JSS payout for Jun - Aug 2020 will only be received in Oct 2020. That is a good 4 months that employers are expected to be able to sustain.

The proposed additional JSS payout for Jun 2020 wages would be of great help in allowing employers to support their employees in the best way possible. This is especially so for employers who are already struggling financially due to the COVID-19 situation. Without this additional support, some employers may have no choice but to cut salaries or terminate employees in order to survive the next couple of months, which defeats the initial intent of the JSS support.

Timely support is critical.

As per the additional JSS support previously given for Apr and May 2020, the proposed additional JSS payout for Jun 2020 can be first computed based on Dec 2019 wages, and subsequently adjusted accordingly based on actual Jun 2020 wages. Should the government decide that it is safe for certain businesses to resume operations in the middle of Jun 2020, employers who have received the additional support for Jun 2020 can have this support pro-rated and adjusted accordingly during the Oct 2020 payout.

In conclusion, this petition is not a request for an extra payout, but rather an advancement in the JSS support for the month of Jun 2020 to employers who are unable to resume operations in Jun 2020, and are fighting hard to survive and continue supporting their employees. We hope that our Ministers will hear our cause.

Stay safe and keep fighting