Factsheet for measure
MT-2020-23/1621
–
Updated
– measures in Malta
Gozo Telework Scheme
Background information
In order to reduce commuting between Gozo and Malta, while encouraging employment in Gozo, the government via the Ministry for Gozo launched the 'Gozo Telework Scheme.' This measure provides partial reimbursements for the cost of technological equipment and salary reimbursement offered pro-rata according to the number of telework hours, over a period of three years.
Although the scheme was not officially released as a response to COVID-19, it could be debated that its aim to reduce commuting as well as to facilitate work from home are beneficial during COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry for Gozo stated that the measure was inspired by the positive impact teleworking during COVID-19 and it was hoped that this measure would aid in improving work-life balance.
Content of measure
The measure, administered by the Ministry for Gozo, can be used to support up to 10 workers. The scheme offers two levels of support:
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partial reimbursement of 75% of the cost of teleworking-related equipment for each employee, up to €850;
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salary reimbursement of up to €10,000 spread over a period of three years which will be provided on a pro-rata basis according to the allocated teleworking hours per employee. Organisations will receive €3,000 in the first two years and €4,000 in the third year.
Applications must have been submitted by the 25 September 2020 and were submitted by organisations in all sectors, with the exception of those receiving aid in the fishery, aquaculture, or agriculture sector (production, processing and marketing) and those receiving aid for export-related activities contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods.
The scheme is aimed at organisations registered in Malta. Eligible employees are to based in Gozo. To be eligible, the employer must certify that the single undertaking has neither
exceeded, nor will exceed with the aid granted through this scheme, the de minimis
threshold of €200,000 (or €100,000 in the case of a single undertaking performing road
freight transport for hire or reward).
Finally, the agreement and conditions laid for teleworking between the employer and the
employee must abide in its entirety to Subsidiary Legislation 452.104, Telework National Standard Order, Legal Notice 312 of 2008.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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15 February 2021
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It was clarified that the first payment for this scheme will be made once the first year of teleworking has elapsed.
It was also highlighted that the reimbursed amount would depend on the actual days granted, rather than those planned to take place. In order to be eligible, the minimum amount granted is for an average of two days per week and up to a maximum of four.
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Use of measure
The scheme is one of five that pertain to the fund titled Gozo Business Schemes which totals €1 million for the year 2020. No further information is currently available.
During a press conference by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, it was announced that 54 Gozitan workers in Malta benefited from this scheme in 2020, and the number increased to 72 workers in 2021. By the beginning of 2022, the scheme had cost the government around €150,000.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Unknown
Involvement
The measure will primarily benefit the employment of workers in Gozo and contributes to efforts to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gozo Buisness Chamber published a 'Post COVID-19 – Strategic and Policy Document' in May 2020 which amongst its key pillars highlighted the need for a Digital Strategy for Gozo. It was also highlighted that the chamber was working alongside government to foster the needed change. No specific involvement of social partners in the design and implementation of this measure were publicised.
Views and reactions
The Gozo Business Chamber was positive about government's support in facilitating teleworking. It also noted that while this measure was of value to some sectors, it would not provide support to other sectors such as those involved in manufacturing, retail, transport, and construction.
Sources
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19 October 2020: Gozo Teleworking Scheme
(mgoz.gov.mt)
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15 February 2021: Malta Today - The Gozo Teleworking Scheme: explained
(www.maltatoday.com.mt)
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25 January 2022: Gozo News - 72 Gozitan workers in Malta benefited from Gozo Teleworking Scheme
(gozo.news)
