The Regional Government, through the Vice-Presidency, has decided, exceptionally, to anticipate the payment of financial support to companies that have created jobs in recent years, thus reinforcing the incentives for the maintenance of employment in the Region. 

This measure, aimed specifically at preserving jobs, arises from the need to adopt measures to support economic activity in the Azores and provide conditions for business entities, so as to mitigate the impacts of the current pandemic situation. 

The Resolution of the Council of the Government no.111/2020 of April 14, approving this exceptional and temporary support, was published today in the Official Journal. It covers all regional companies, cooperatives and non-profit entities that benefit from the Regional Government's support for job creation.

Hence, according to the published regulations, the Regional Government anticipates the payment of 15% of the amount of financial support allocated under the Permanent Labour Stability programme - ELP, as provided for the in the rules of this programme.

This important financial anticipation intends to increase liquidity support and, consequently, ensure the maintenance of employment. Payments will be made in equal amounts in the months of May, July and September 2020 for projects already under way.

The Permanent Labour Stability measure has as its main goal the creation of new permanent jobs, through the allocation of financial support to companies, cooperatives and non-profit entities recruiting workers under contracts of indefinite duration. 

This programme provides support amounting of up to 12 thousand Euros in the form of non-refundable aid for each job created, which is paid over three years.

The measure is divided into two components: ELP Conversion, which aims to transform fixed-term contracts into contracts of indefinite duration, and ELP Recruitment, which promotes the creation of new jobs through the recruitment of workers under contracts of indefinite duration.