Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Carmelo Abela, participated in an informal high-level videoconference of European Union Employment and Social Affairs Ministers to discuss the implications of the new Coronavirus on the EU’s employment and social policy systems. The meeting was organised by the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU and was chaired from Brussels by Josip Aladrović, Minister of Labour and Pension System, and Vesna Bedeković, Minister for Demography, Family, Youth, and Social Policy. Throughout the teleconference, the EU Ministers shared and discussed challenges and experiences being faced by their respective countries, in particular the need to assist the most vulnerable in society.
From the Auberge de Castille in Valletta, Minister Carmelo Abela provided an account of the actions and measures being taken by the Maltese Government amongst different sectors to limit the spread and prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19. He noted how Malta's social and economic measurses are in line with those of other EU Member States, and in some cases even more aggressive.
Speaking about the protection of those considered to be most vulnerable to the virus, he said that Malta is constantly encouraging the elderly to stay safe at home. The authorities have provided a helpline for those who do not have any support, and have ensured that all care homes for older persons have contingency plans in place and that staff assist the residents to communicate with their loved ones through video calls, social media, or other forms of communication. “We must ensure that, while practicing social distance, the elderly are not isolated from society,” said Abela.
With reference to employment, Minister Abela said that given that both employers and employees will be impacted, Government yesterday announced a finacial aid package of €1.81 billion to assist the business sector and safeguard the national economy. He made reference to the importance of governments to provide assistance to companies promoting telework. He said that other measures include those that assist the liquidity of businesses. He said that, in Malta, in both the public service and the private sector, employees are being encouraged to make use of telework.
As from 12 March 2020, the voluntary quarantine has been transformed into a mandatory one for all persons coming from abroad. Government is giving employers an aid of €350 per employee to compensate them for this special leave. In case of businesses having their operations suspended, Government is offering a rebate of 2 working paid days from 5 working days.
The EU Ministers spoke on solidarity towards the protection of employment and employees, by taking measures to mitigate the negative consequences. They remarked that it is the EU Member State governments’ duty towards citizens to introduce protective measures, and to communicate clearly and factually, ensuring that public perception is not unduly distorted. They also discussed the need to protect workers, particularly those most vulnerable on the labour markets; the self-employed; and those in non-standard forms of employment. Work flexibility was also debated, highlighting that parents who cannot work from home or take leave, should have the possibility to access childcare facilities, thereby protecting grandparents from an increased risk of exposure.
The Ministers also noted that, while social distancing is one of the main recommended measures to stop the spread of the virus and, in this regard, digital modes of working can prove to be very useful, this could have significant implications on citizens’ lives. Areas of concern include psychosocial welfare, discriminatory behaviour towards certain social groups arising from fear, and changing consumer patterns.
The EU Commission reassured that, through its DG Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, is ready to assist Member States where required. This is in line with the four areas of priorities identified by the European Council for action: the limitation of the virus; the provision of medical equipment; the promotion of research, including for vaccine; and the tackling of socio-economic consequences.
The EU ministers were united in their position in favour of all necessary support being offered to healthcare professionals all across the bloc. In this regard, Minister Carmelo Abela referred to Malta’s introduction of childcare facilities for children under 12 of all healthcare workers, whilst planning a total of 680 new hospital beds to prepare for the worst case scenario in the face of COVID-19. The ministers concluded their meeting on a realitic yet confident note, convinced that if the EU countries work together, they can overcome this pandemic.