Labour Chief issues directive on pay relief

The Commissioner-General of Labour has issued a fresh directive on relief to pay the minimum monthly salary for employees of private institutions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The general relief to pay either Rs. 14,500 monthly or 50% of the salary, whichever is higher, granted to employers expires on 30 June.

However, if the relief, which had been granted to the tourism trade, other enterprises and industries which were affected by the pandemic, is required by an institution/factory even after 30 June, they must obtain the prior approval of the Commissioner-General of Labour.

He also said that the monthly salary should be duly paid as agreed to the employees who report for employment and are engaged in work and that any deduction other than statutory and authorised deductions cannot be made from the earned salary.