33 businesses closed, 683 laid off & 72 terminated due to COVID-19 pandemic
33 businesses closed, 683 laid off, 72 terminated
According to Hon Wheatley, to date, approximately 77 businesses have contacted the Department of Labour and Workforce Development to provide information on their status, including that of employees.
He said approximately 33 of these have reported closure, some 683 persons have been laid off while some persons have been reassigned or reclassified as it relates to position and/or salary, and approximately 72 persons have been terminated throughout the Territory.
“Of the approximate 1300 employees reported as affected, 425 are BVIslanders/Belongers; 493 are Work Permit Holders; 80 are Work Permit Exempt; and over 330 of those persons are still being classified,” Hon Wheatley said today, May 3, 2020, adding that he is mindful that a number of job functions are on hold as employers try to work out, the details to accommodate the “New Regular” and in many cases, persons have had to be laid off.
He said where persons have been laid off, this should be reported to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development where an employer will receive further instructions on the way forward.
“I would like to remind employers to be considerate of your employees, by notifying them first, of any changes to their employment agreement, prior to contacting the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.”
Further, Hon Wheatley said the Tourism industry is the hardest hit.
“With the tourism industry being one of our most important economic pillars, which accounts for a large cross section of workers in the Territory, any loss in the industry is not only difficult for that sector, but for the economy in general.”
Lay-offs
Hon Wheatley noted that as Government continues to meet to make decisions that will benefit all persons, residing in the VI, it recognises that the Labour Code, 2010 Section 104(3) and 107 speaks, to - if an employee is laid off, for more than three months, without a date, of re-employment, this person, is entitled to severance pay, if terminated.
He said in times of disaster, and in this case, a global pandemic, there should be legislation, to address the specific national situation, which Government realises is lacking at this time.
“The great burden on businesses, to identify the necessary funding for severance, and on employees to seek alternative employment where applicable, is evident.”
As a result, Hon Wheatley said in an effort to aid in the continuation of employment, where practicable, especially for the tourism industry, “before Cabinet right now, is a request for an amendment to the Labour Code 2010 to address an increase to the lay-off period.”
“People of the Virgin Islands, this, though a small step, in allowing ease of employment and increased diversification of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, is a step in the right direction, to aiding our people when they need it most.
More details to follow.
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67 Responses to “33 businesses closed, 683 laid off & 72 terminated due to COVID-19 pandemic”
77 businesses have contacted Labour - what sectors do these businesses operate so that we can get a better picture of the real situation?
Final question - why don’t these bloggers refrain from their stupid island people comments? Are they more immune from the physical financial economical consequences of the current situation?
These people don’t need no stimulas packages open the borders and send them out
Why not send their money out? If they are here less than 5 years and their job is terminated why should they leave their money here? Hustle hard and get ready for June and buss off. I wonder who will pay the rent to finance the mortgage? Who will patronize the groceries, the restaurants, the retail stores, the festivals? Careful what you wish for.
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To down islanders: stop bad talk the BVI, you cause some of this on yourselves.
Some of them were born in the US and birthed their offspring in the US just to get rights but have been raised in the BVI since birth YET are quick to discriminate against others.
Hypocrites! I can say that and I was born and raised in the BVI with no other status.
Those who steal and carry loaded guns and rifles. Those who are prone to murder and violence and law breaking.
This is not too much to ask.