Further steps to protect New Zealander's jobs

The Government announced it has made modifications to the wage subsidy scheme to ensure people don’t lose their jobs during the national lockdown.

The wage subsidy is a Government payment to help employers pay wages. The changes will soften the impact of COVID-19 on workers, families and businesses, and position them to exit the lockdown and look to recovery.

The modifications are about keeping New Zealanders currently at home in lockdown connected to their jobs. This ensures businesses not able to operate do not need to lay off staff. Even if this requires businesses to operate with no activity, the subsidy allows them to keep their workers on the books, particularly during Alert Level 4.

Read the Beehive release for more information on the wage subsidy scheme(external link).

Last updated: 28 March 2028