Covid-19: New Zealand to pay employers for workers' absence

Wellington - Businesses can seek payment for absentees who cannot work from home while awaiting a Covid-19 test result.

New Zealand employers can receive government payments from Tuesday onwards over the absence of their workers who cannot work from home while awaiting a Covid-19 test result, according to a government statement issued on Monday.

The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP), a part of the government's Business Support Package, reinforces its commitment to helping businesses and their employees navigate the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Business has a key role to play in helping New Zealand navigate the Covid-19 pandemic," Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said in the statement.

"Testing for Covid-19 remains a critical ongoing element in our elimination strategy. We need people to take the test if they feel unwell and removing any barriers is important," Sepuloni said.