The Regional Government, through the Vice-Presidency, has decided to extend the Regional Supplement to Simplified Layoff until the end of July, following its extension for another month as determined at national level, thus increasing the incentive for Azorean companies to maintain work contracts.

According to the Resolution of the Council of the Government published today in the Official Journal, the Regional Government will continue to grant companies additional support to what was determined at national level, corresponding to 83% of the company's financial costs with each worker, having as reference the regional minimum wage.

This additional financial support, accessible to all regional entities, regardless of their activity, may be turned into a non-refundable grant, i.e., non-refundable, if employers maintain the level of employment until the end of the year.

With this measure, the Regional Government intends to complement and reinforce the scope of this measure, allowing companies access to substantially higher support than other companies in the country.

In addition to being exempted from the payment of Social Security contributions, the Single Social Rate (TSU), Azorean companies will able to maintain, at clearly reduced costs, all their workers.

The Region, through the Regional Supplement to Simplified Layoff, will bear the costs of paying a significant portion of workers' salaries, while in the country these costs are incurred by companies.

Applications for this additional support measure for the maintenance of employment contracts should be submitted from today at portalemprego.azores.gov.pt.

The Regional Government considers the maintenance of employment a fundamental priority. In view of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region, it has been undertaking a huge effort to ensure the maximum maintenance of jobs and, consequently, guarantee income, stability and confidence in the future of the Azores.