The Regional Government, through the Vice-Presidency, has created another measure, designated as Regional Supplement to Regular Layoff, with the aim of encouraging the training and qualification of workers in the current economic activity context, with a view to the maintenance of employment contracts

This new Regional Supplement to Regular Layoff is intended to cover companies that are not yet in a position to resume their normal activity with all their workers as of August, after the end of simplified layoff.

With this additional measure, the Regional Government will grant financial support for each worker to whom the temporary reduction of normal working period or suspension of employment contract has been applied. It provides for two types of support depending on depending on whether or not the worker is enrolled in training programme. 

If the worker does not attend training, the financial support will correspond to half of the costs incurred by the company with each worker in layoff, starting in August, having as reference the regional minimum wage, as long as employment levels are maintained. 

In turn, with the goal of increasing the training of workers in layoff and encouraging companies to integrate their workers into professional qualification programmes, starting next month, the Government has decided to double the financial support, having as reference the regional minimum wage. It will bear all costs, provided that the company enrols their workers in layoff in training and professional qualification programmes. 

In order to increase the income of these workers, the Regional Government has also decided to allocate additional support corresponding to 15% of the minimum wage to workers attending training initiatives, in addition to the meal allowance, thus creating a new supplement to workers' income. 

The financial support will be paid on a monthly basis and will be granted for the duration of the employment reduction or suspension measure, including its extension if applicable, with an implementation period until March 31, 2021. 

According to a Resolution of the Council of the Government already published in the Official Journal, applications for the Regional Supplement to Regular Layoff may be submitted from August 1 at the address https://portaldoemprego.azores.gov.pt. 

With this innovative measure, the Regional Government ensures that companies in layoff, from next month, will have clearly reduced charges for the maintenance of their workers if they integrate them into training and qualification programmes, which will also boost workers' income.