The Malta Employers Association lauded efforts to address the country’s debt and keep the deficit under control, saying the Budget is a continuation of the economic policy of previous years.

In its initial reaction it also welcomed a number measures aimed at increasing the number of productive hours through a higher participation rate of labour in the economy.

MEA welcomed the reintroduction of the Microinvest scheme, which, in conjunction with other schemes served to incentivise small businesses.

On the other hand, employers expressed their disagreement with the measure allowing those who have been unemployed for two years to temporary retain part of the social benefits.

The MEA expressed the hope that the Budget would reverse the slight but steady rise in unemployment which had been registered in recent months.