The Malta Employer’s Association has raised the alarm to address the urgent situation of lack of employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling out for the phasing out of the Community Work Scheme as it insists that rising shortage of employees in Malta needs to be addressed quickly, the MEA highlighted how unemployment in Malta is presently low. The number of registered unemployed was falling steadily, with the latest figures published this week show just 1,711 were on the unemployment register in June. 

When many returned to their home countries after the pandemic struck, shifting demographics were having a huge impact since Malta sought to close the gap through migrant workers. The association noted that dependence on imported workforces resulted in several issues from an economic standpoint. The MEA proposed a number of short and med-term actions to the authorities to be considered. 

The community work scheme helps to keep the unemployment register small. It is operated by the General Workers Union through which a minimum wage and various small jobs in the public sector are provided to otherwise-unemployed people. With around 1,000 employed through the scheme, it has not been short of controversy as it was reported to be plagued with absenteeism. The association stated that we need to ensure that this scheme is not a refuge for privileged individuals wanting to avoid productive employment. 

The MEA also stated that foreign workers should be allowed to bring their family members along to Malta. Failure to allow this puts Malta at a disadvantage to attract and keep such workers employed in the country. 

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Photo Source: Burst