Over 47,000 businesses apply for wage subsidies in New Zealand

Revenues have dropped for many businesses as the country goes into Level 4 lockdown mode in response to a Delta variant outbreak of COVID-19.
By: | August 26, 2021
Topics: Compensation and Benefits | Health and Wellness | New Zealand | News

Businesses which have experienced or expect to experience at least a 40% drop in revenue to the Alert Level 4 measures are eligible for the Wage Subsidy August 2021.  

The amounts of the subsidies have been raised to keep up with wage increases. They are now NZ$60 (US$415.8) per week for each full-time employee working 20 hours a week or more, and NZ$359 (US$248.8) per week for part-time workers retained. 

Finance minister Grant Robertson said, “The Government has reactivated a number of business support measures to give certainty to businesses and workers and support jobs at this challenging time. 

“You can apply to contribute to the wages of your employees, or yourself, if you are self-employed, over the next two-week period.” 

By 2pm on August 20, more than 47,000 businesses and sole traders had applied for the subsidy, he added.  Employers with highly seasonal revenues who are able to prove the 40% revenue declines can also apply for the wage subsidies. 

Applications for the Wage Subsidy August 2021 can be done online via the Ministry of Social Development website. 

READ: New Zealand reinstates wage subsidy amid lockdown

“We are encouraging employers and those self-employed to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide, as that will delay processing if it isn’t correct,” said social development and employment minister Carmel Sepuloni, according to NZ Herald.