07 Apr 2020
Ref No.: 070420 (2)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Overcoming COVID-19 Together: 3 Important Updates
1/3: SOLIDARITY BUDGET 2020
Since Budget 2020, COVID-19 has accelerated into a global pandemic. To help our people, over and above the $55 billion COVID-related measures under the Unity and Resilience Budgets, on 6 April 2020 the government announced an additional $5.1 billion Solidarity Budget to see Singaporeans and businesses through this period.
Please see below for the key highlights from the announcement. To read the full Solidarity Budget booklet, please refer to the appended or click here: https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2020/solidarity-budget/solidarity-budget-measures/solidarity-budget-booklet-eng
A. ENHANCE PROTECTION FOR JOBS AND LIVELIHOODS
1. Enhanced Jobs Support Scheme (JSS)
• Government will help employers by paying 75% on the first $4,600 of monthly salaries1, up from 25% on the first $4,600 previously
• First JSS payout will be brought forward to April 2020, from May 2020
2. Helping Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
• Eligible SEPs will receive three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July, and October 2020
1 75% wage support for aviation, and tourism sectors; 50% for the food services sector, and 25% for all other sectors.
B. STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR FIRMS
1. Cash Flow & Credit Support for Employers
• Waiver of monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) due in April 2020 to help firms with cash flow
• FWL rebate of $750 in April 2020 from levies paid this year, for each Work Permit or S Pass holder
• Laws to ensure property owners pass on Property Tax rebate to tenants
• 1 month rental waiver for office, commercial, and agriculture tenants of Government agencies
• Government’s risk share raised from 80% to 90% for EFS-Trade Loan, EFS-SME Working Capital Loan, and Temporary Bridging Loan Programme2
2Applies to loans initiated from 8 April 2020 till 31 March 2021
C. PROVIDE MORE HELP TO SINGAPOREANS
1. Cash Payments for Singaporeans
• Additional cash payout of $300 for all Singaporeans aged 21 and above in 2020
• Cash payout will be paid in April 2020
2. Other Payments
• Other payments from Resilience Budget will remain, and will be paid out in June 2020
• Cash payout for each Singaporean parent with at least 1 Singaporean child aged 20 and below in 2020 of $300
• All Singaporeans aged 50 and above in 2020 will receive their $100 PAssion Card Top-up in cash
• Total of up to $1,000 in cash for eligible Singaporeans in June 2020
2/3: COVID-19 (TEMPORARY MEASURES) BILL
Last week, the Ministry of Law introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill. For better understanding, Ministry of Law has also prepared infographics and a set of FAQs on the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill. Please refer to the below and appended for your reference.
3/3: KEY LINKS TO TAKE NOTE SURROUNDING THE LASTEST COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS
Members can refer to these key links for the latest development of the COVID-19 developments:
ESG’s business advisory
www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19
Tightened safe distancing measures for F&B establishments, retail establishments, shopping malls and standalone stores
(for strict compliance from 7 April to 4 May) www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19/safe-distance
The most updated list of essential services exempted from the suspension of workplace activities https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/essentialservices
Applications for exemptions and declaration for companies which provide essential services http://www.covid.gobusiness.gov.sg
The latest COVID-19 resources from MCI
(posters in all four languages) https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-resources
You can also direct all queries to safedistancing@enterprisesg.gov.sg or call ESG at 6898 1800/ 6736 6622