Preservation of jobs a priority, dep. government spokesman says

The government is determined to do everything in its power to prevent the loss of jobs, deputy government spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said Friday.

Sentonas’ statements came after a meeting with union, tourism, and business stakeholders chaired by President Nicos Anastasiades in the framework of a social dialogue prior to the drawing up of new support measures by the Labour Ministry, as current schemes expire on June 12.

“The government’s priority is to support employment and the number of jobs,” Sentonas said.

Labour Ministry schemes that will apply for the period after June 12 will be drawn up on the basis of economic activity in the various sectors, as this is unfolding with the lifting of restriction measures, but also on the restarting of the economy. Sentonas added that the schemes will also depend on the state’s financial abilities.

“The President of the Republic today listened carefully to the proposals and concerns of the social partners that participated in the meeting, and these will be taken into consideration in the creation of the schemes,” Sentonas said.

He added that no concrete decisions were taken on Friday, as the dialogue is set to continue through the coming days, in order for the government to work out a proposal that will substantially support workers and businesses, as was the case with ongoing schemes.

Sentonas said “tourism is taking a strong hit, so it seems that as a sector it will continue to be supported.”