HCMC earmarks $1.1 mln for workers in non-essential businesses hit by Covid-19

Around 27,000 people working in bars, karaoke parlors, beauty salons, massage parlors, cinemas, restaurants, wedding centers, pubs, museums, historical relics, fitness centers, sports centers, bus stations, and others will get around VND1 million ($43) each.

The Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs had in September proposed supporting these affected workers since they had lost jobs or incomes after non-essential services were closed for three weeks in April by the city for social distancing to combat the novel coronavirus.

It earlier paid VN595 billion to 543,345 people, including workers laid off by struggling businesses, street vendors and teachers at private schools who had no income when schools closed down. Those working for "non-essential" services were not included in that list.

More than 327,000 people lost their jobs in the city in the first half of this year as a result of the pandemic, according to official data.

With Covid-19 under control, production resuming and new orders increasing, many HCMC businesses are hiring thousands of new employees.

Le Minh Tan, director of the department, said in the last three months of this year businesses in sectors like transport, food, customer care, finance, banking, and insurance will recruit 62,000-65,000 workers.

HCMC has gone over three months without community transmission.