Minister for Gozo, Justyne Caruana has announced that the Gozo employment refund scheme has been extended.  This scheme has been designed and implemented following a discussion with both the Gozitan business community, as well as the Ministry of Finance.

Justyne Caruana talked about how the scheme is specifically intended to encourage an increase in new jobs in the private sector and quoted statistics issued by the National Statistics Office which show that by December 2016, the largest proportion of Gozitan jobs were generated by the private sector.

Minister Caruana explained how this measure, which was previously announced in the budget, will refund 30% of salary paid to a maximum of € 6,000 for each new job in the private sector over a three-year contract. She also said that as a government, we must deliver a clear message that the government is there to assist the private sector and not to obstruct.

The minister said that this measure will certainly assist in creating more job opportunities and work quality in Gozo. Applications are available online on the website: www.mgoz.gov.mt or mobile app, mygozo.

At a press conference held at the Gozo Business Center, Victoria,some months ago the Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna said, "sustainable development of the island depends on the private sector. The government aims to incentivize the private sector so that the economy continues moving forward ".

During the launch of the scheme which intends to create more jobs in Gozo's private sector, Minister Scicluna said that Gozo has experienced unprecedented growth over the past years.

"The scheme we unveiled today should enable the private sector to offer more jobs", Minister Scicluna added.

Minister Scicluna concluded by saying how this measure will send a strong signal that Gozo has potential for productive investment, both in existing and new sectors.