Redeployment scheme for former VF, Bortex employees launched

Employers hiring redundant workers from VF and Bortex are being offered a 'redeployment grant' covering half the minimum wage for 17 weeks. This funding is being made available by the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) and co-financed by the Maltese government. The scheme, which kicked off last month, is being implemented by the Employment and Training Corporation.

The ETC, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, will be holding a presentation forum for members of the Chamber of Commerce at its premises in Valletta on Wednesday at 3 p.m to promote this scheme.

The opening of economies to international competition brings new opportunities in terms of competitiveness and the creation of high-quality jobs. However, trade openness can also have negative consequences for the most vulnerable and least qualified workers in some sectors and areas of the EU.

The EGF, set up in January last year, is a new instrument that provides personalised support to workers who have been made redundant as a result of trade liberalisation, so that these can either remain in employment or quickly find a new job.

The EU approved Malta's application for EGF funds to assist workers in the textile industry made redundant last June. This fund targeted 675 workers made redundant. This fund is being used towards a combination of measures, including occupational guidance, training, aid for self-employment, job search allowance and a redeployment scheme.

Interested employers can call the scheme co-ordinator at the ETC on 2220 1275 or e-mail joseph.d.mercieca@gov.mt.