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for the Improvement of
Living and Working Conditions

The tripartite EU agency providing knowledge to assist
in the development of better social, employment and
work-related policies

COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch

Database of national-level responses

Eurofound's COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the crisis, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.

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Overview of measures by type

Non-binding recommendations or other texts

Austria

Measures to prevent social hardship
14 April 2020	Campaign 'Safe at home' Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
13 April 2020	No energy shutdown when payment difficulties occur Keeping a safe home
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
14 April 2020	Recommendation on teleworking Teleworking arrangements, remote working
14 April 2020	Instructions of the social partners for dealing with construction sites based on COVID-19 Occupational health and safety
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
07 May 2020	Recommendation for a gradual relaunch of work - focus on office routine Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
10 April 2020	Deferral for social security contributions for self-employed Deferral of payments or liabilities

View all cases in Austria

Belgium

Measures to prevent social hardship
10 April 2020 Updated	Extension of meal/eco/gift/sport/culture cheques Provision of services in kind (e.g. food vouchers)
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
31 August 2020	Social partner agreement on prevention and protection at the workplace Occupational health and safety
13 May 2020	Social partners set out general guidelines for return to work Occupational health and safety

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Cyprus

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
10 April 2020	Protection of workers and the public Occupational health and safety

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Czechia

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
09 September 2020	Confederation of Industry: Recommendations for a restart Other
Reorientation of business activities
06 April 2020	Czech Network Matching / networking

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Denmark

Supporting businesses to get back to normal
17 April 2020	Guide to the COVID-19 'Job-VET-model' Enhancing employability and training

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European Union

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
15 September 2020	Free movement of people in the EU: more clarity and predictability of restricting measures Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers
17 September 2020	Ensuring business continuity and protection of workers in private security service during Covid- 19 pandemic Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services
Measures to prevent social hardship
10 September 2020	European Commission unveils vaccine strategy Access to healthcare
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
10 September 2020	EU social partners in central governments' sector call for investing in public sector staff Well-being of workers
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
10 September 2020	European social partners call for strategy for retail and wholesale sector Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work

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France

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
20 April 2020	COVID-19 guide to health and safety recommendations for business continuity in construction Occupational health and safety

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Germany

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
15 September 2020	Local Chamber of Industry and Commerce issue handout for companies to develop hygiene concepts Occupational health and safety

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Italy

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
10 April 2020	Government and social partners protocol to ensure safe working conditions at the workplace Occupational health and safety

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Lithuania

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
08 April 2020	Bonuses for employees working in social service institutions Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services

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Luxembourg

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
11 September 2020	Trade union OGBL's priority proposals for the recovery Other

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Malta

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
11 August 2020	Malta Chamber Think Tank Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
11 August 2020	Information for members of employer associations Other

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Portugal

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
13 April 2020	Occupational health and safety promotion - Health professionals Occupational health and safety

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Slovakia

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
12 August 2020	The list of fundamental rights of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic Other
Reorientation of business activities
03 April 2020	Transfer of employees from hotels and restaurants to food industry Transfer or redeployment of workers

View all cases in Slovakia

Slovenia

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
11 September 2020	Employers make recommendations for the economic upturn for Slovenia 5.0 Support for spending, stimulus packages
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
11 September 2020	Initiative from employers for reforming teleworking arrangements Teleworking arrangements, remote working

View all cases in Slovenia

Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process. All information is preliminary and subject to change.