The Joint Chambers- which represents the Chambers of Commerce throughout the country – is calling on the government to  put “urgent measures in place to help businesses through this very difficult period.”

“Many companies, in particular small businesses, will find it very difficult to meet payroll costs in a time when their revenue will be under unprecedented pressure,” the Joint Chamber noted in a news release.

  And while it has supported the call for work-from-home,  because lives depend on it,“ the Joint Chambers said it looks forward to discussing these measures further with the Government and other stakeholders. 

   ”We look forward to discussing the details of these guidelines with the Government and Trade Union representatives at the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC) in the coming days, “ the Joint Chambers said.

“Many of our member companies have already instituted home working policies and other measures to promote social distancing and intensified hygiene controls in the workplace. We encourage all citizens to take these measures very seriously. Lives depend on it.

“We support the call of the Minister of Labour for all employers to be compassionate and to, as far as reasonably possible, grant appropriate leave to employees with unexpected childcare obligations and any employee who needs to be self-isolated.

“The specific form of leave will need to be discussed by employers and employees and in some cases their representatives, taking into account the specific circumstances of each company and each case.

“These measures will inevitably have significant effects on the economy and on private sector companies, at a time when intense forex shortages and crippling low commodity prices already have the economy under significant strain,” the Joint Chamber noted.