Workers and restaurants benefit from Germany's new €10 billion coronavirus package
The German government unveiled a €10 billion economic package on Thursday to pay for additional unemployment benefits and new tax cuts to help businesses affected by the coronavirus.
The measures come as Europe's largest economy takes it first steps back towards normality with a number of businesses opening up for the first time in a month, and politicians declaring the coronavirus "under control".
Workers forced to stay at home by the pandemic and government measures to contain it will now receive between 70 and 77 percent of net salary from the fourth month of unemployment, a ten percent increase on previous provisions.
From the seventh month, they will receive between 80 and 87 percent.
READ ALSO: Kurzarbeit: Germany bets on tried-and-tested tool for coronavirus jobs crisis
Those already unemployed will see their benefits extended for a further three months this year.
The coalition government also announced that VAT on the gastronomy sector -- which has been hard-hit by closures of restaurants and cafes -- would be cut from 19 per cent to seven percent for one year from July 1st.
With many schools closed and expected to re-open gradually, the government also said it would provide financial support to families to purchase a computer for online lessons. Those in greatest need can receive up to €150.
READ ALSO: How freelancers and small businesses can apply for coronavirus payments in Germany
The new injection comes on top of a total programme of support for the German economy of some €1,100 billion, consisting mainly of public guarantees for business loans, but also grants for small businesses and freelancers.
The financial package agreed upon late Wednesday evening by the leaders of Germany's coalition government.
According to a resolution paper, the federal government must introduce further measures to cushion social and economic hardships and to support economic reconstruction as the country "relaxes restrictions in small steps."
Comments
See Also
The measures come as Europe's largest economy takes it first steps back towards normality with a number of businesses opening up for the first time in a month, and politicians declaring the coronavirus "under control".
Workers forced to stay at home by the pandemic and government measures to contain it will now receive between 70 and 77 percent of net salary from the fourth month of unemployment, a ten percent increase on previous provisions.
From the seventh month, they will receive between 80 and 87 percent.
READ ALSO: Kurzarbeit: Germany bets on tried-and-tested tool for coronavirus jobs crisis
Those already unemployed will see their benefits extended for a further three months this year.
The coalition government also announced that VAT on the gastronomy sector -- which has been hard-hit by closures of restaurants and cafes -- would be cut from 19 per cent to seven percent for one year from July 1st.
With many schools closed and expected to re-open gradually, the government also said it would provide financial support to families to purchase a computer for online lessons. Those in greatest need can receive up to €150.
READ ALSO: How freelancers and small businesses can apply for coronavirus payments in Germany
The new injection comes on top of a total programme of support for the German economy of some €1,100 billion, consisting mainly of public guarantees for business loans, but also grants for small businesses and freelancers.
The financial package agreed upon late Wednesday evening by the leaders of Germany's coalition government.
According to a resolution paper, the federal government must introduce further measures to cushion social and economic hardships and to support economic reconstruction as the country "relaxes restrictions in small steps."
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.