25 Mar 2020

Covid-19: Employers, Manufacturers union discusses essential services

From Checkpoint, 5:43 pm on 25 March 2020

Tens of thousands of business have closed their doors and will not open them again for at least another four weeks.

The only exceptions are those designated essential services - including supermarkets and petrol stations.

The lockdown is going to put enormous financial pressure on then and on the workers they employ.

This week the government extended its wage subsidy scheme to more than $9 billion.

It is also guaranteeing the lion's share of a $6.25 billion business loan scheme.

But Finance Minister Grant Robertson has said this will not save all businesses or all jobs.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association represents 20,000 businesses across the whole New Zealand network.

Brett O'Riley is the chief executive. He talks to Lisa Owen.