Today, 14.12, the government held a crisis seminar where many businesses were waiting for answers on how to proceed. What to do about the workers, how long the restrictions apply, why they apply and whether there is any public support. What is clear is that there will definitely be some subsidy, but no further details are known, as the government is still deciding, hopefully in the coming week. However, the earliest the support measure is likely to open is mid-January.
It is rather expected that the companies that will receive the support will be closed. It’s a whole ecosystem that is under a big hit, in addition to the sectors that are directly closed down, many other businesses i.e. tourism support services are also under a big hit, if the hotel is closed down, the turnover of laundries, for example, will also drop very significantly, if there are no organised events, the activity of transport service companies will be minimal, etc.
Accommodation is closed down without exception, exceptions are only allowed for health professionals. It doesn’t matter if you’re a long-distance holiday home or a construction worker in need of a place to stay while you’re on assignment. The country’s firm policy at the moment is that people should be at home – the only way to avoid contact.
Employees must be treated in a normal manner, and any changes to their work must be discussed with them. Reasonableness and mutual respect are important. At the same time, workers have to accept new arrangements, such as the obligation to wear a mask. Employers have to organise the work of their company and let their employees know about it.
It is perfectly understandable that the state is calculating whether it is cheaper and easier for them to pay the subsidy than to let the health system collapse. However, communication in this area is very weak. There is still a lot of indignation on the part of the business community as to why no one is discussing anything with them and why their opinions are not being listened to.
Weeks earlier, a customer of the owner of the restaurant complained that there were no visitors, no end of year events. It would be sensible to close the doors yourself. Now the decision has been taken by the state and we hope that this will lead to compensation to help cover the corona losses.
For how long will the restrictions apply? I very much hope they will end with 4. January. Let’s all work for it!
