The Government’s Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme is available for New Zealand businesses impacted by the lockdown that took effect from midnight 17th August 2021, to help eligible businesses to keep paying staff and protect jobs.

Eligible employers can apply for support if they expect a loss of 40% of revenue as a result of the 17 August move to alert level 4.

The Wage Subsidy Scheme rates have been increased to reflect the increase in wage costs since the scheme was first introduced back in March 2020. Businesses will be eligible for $600 per week per full-time equivalent employee, and $359 per week per part-time employee.

The Wage Subsidy will be paid as a two-week lump sum. Applications open on Friday 20th August, with the first payments usually available after three days.

A Resurgence Support Payment is available if businesses incur a loss of 30% of revenue as a result of the alert level increase. The RSP is worth up to $1500 plus $400 per full-time equivalent employee, up to a maximum of 50 full-time employees (so up to a total of $21,500).

The Leave Support Scheme provides a two-week lump sum payment of either $585.80 per week for full-time workers, or $350 per week for part-time workers, who must self-isolate and cannot work from home.

The Short-Term Absence Payment provides a one-off (once per 30 days) $350 payment for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home.

More information can be found here.