Other initiatives or policies

Austria

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
10 April 2020	Food helpers online platform Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
25 April 2020	SME subsidy for teleworking: Region of Styria and Chamber of Labour Teleworking arrangements, remote working
16 April 2020	Subsidy for home offices - IT infrastructure Teleworking arrangements, remote working
Reorientation of business activities
31 March 2020	OpenHotel platform for essential workers Creation of platforms for businesses aimed at customer
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
04 November 2020	Employers organisation provides consulting services for SMEs to restart their business Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
14 May 2020	City of Vienna issues gastronomy vouchers for every household Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
05 October 2020	Guarantees for bank loans - Vienna Access to finance
05 October 2020 Updated	Investment premium Direct subsidies (full or partial)
05 October 2020 Updated	'Proud of Vienna' Holding: providing equity capital to affected companies with the help of a temporary investment Access to finance

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Belgium

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
26 October 2020	Care jobs for temporary unemployed Mobilisation of a larger workforce

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Bulgaria

Measures to prevent social hardship
25 November 2020 Updated	United against COVID-19: Campaign to fund projects for vulnerable people Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
25 January 2021 Updated	"Hot lunch" program for people in need Provision of services in kind (e.g. food vouchers)
18 November 2020	COVID-19: You are not alone (CITUB) Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
06 January 2021 Updated	Capital support for SMEs - Second Phase Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Croatia

Supporting businesses to stay afloat
07 April 2020 Updated	Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts suspends company fees for the second trimester 2020 Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Cyprus

Income protection beyond short-time work
01 July 2020	Emergency support allowance for artists Extensions of income support to workers not covered by any kind of protection scheme
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
30 November 2020	Special vocational educational scheme for the unemployed in public and broader public sector and NGOs Enhancing employability and training
01 July 2020	Incentives scheme for airline companies Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
17 June 2020	Cyprus to pay holiday costs of infected tourists Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
30 November 2020	Special training scheme for employees in sectors affected by the pandemic Enhancing employability and training
08 September 2020	Special vocational and educational schemes and subsidy of wage costs Enhancing employability and training
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
04 January 2021	Tax reduction scheme of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities Direct subsidies (full or partial)
07 July 2021	Temporary support for farmers and SMEs affected by the pandemic Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Czechia

Reorientation of business activities
08 April 2020 Updated	Czech Rise Up Programme 1.0 and 2.0 – Smart solutions to combat COVID-19 Change of production/innovation
12 April 2020	Country for the Future - Innovation to practice (COVID) - Digitalisation and innovations Change of production/innovation
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
13 April 2021	COVID – SPORT III Ski resorts Direct subsidies (full or partial)
07 November 2020	Employers' campaign for 'window day' in support of restaurants Other
13 April 2021	COVID - SPORT Guarantee program Access to finance

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Denmark

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
05 October 2020	One-time payment for welfare beneficiaries Support for spending, stimulus packages
02 December 2020	Social partners call on the government to pay out frozen holiday pay Support for spending, stimulus packages
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
30 November 2020	Guidance from the unions to the members about COVID-19 related issues Other
Reorientation of business activities
16 December 2020	The state and Danish industry establish cooperation on companies' reorganisation to production of protective equipment Change of production/innovation

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Estonia

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
08 April 2020	Temporary job offers portal Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers

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European Union

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
11 September 2021	Trade unions call for equal and free access to vaccines (also outside the EU) Occupational health and safety
10 September 2021	ELA campaign: to create safe working conditions for seasonal workers Occupational health and safety
10 September 2021	The new EU OSH Strategy draws lessons from the current pandemic Occupational health and safety

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Finland

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
07 September 2020	Work from Finland-service: a matching platform for seasonal work Mobilisation of a larger workforce
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
20 October 2020	Regional crisis support for employees affected by the COVID-19 crisis Well-being of workers
Reorientation of business activities
21 October 2020	Enter 2020 information campaign shares information on best practices at workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic Change of production/innovation
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
05 January 2021	Direct subsidy for enterprises in primary production Direct subsidies (full or partial)
30 June 2021	Event guarantee Direct subsidies (full or partial)
30 June 2021	Grants for enterprises in the culture sector Direct subsidies (full or partial)
08 April 2021	Grant for artists, professionals and solo-self employed in the culture and creative arts sector Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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France

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
16 October 2020 Updated	Exceptional aid to support the employment of a disabled person on an apprenticeship contract or a professionalisation contract Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
09 November 2020	Two practical handbooks for employers and employees on COVID-related OSH Occupational health and safety
15 October 2020	Exceptional support for training courses to support people with disabilities Teleworking arrangements, remote working
16 October 2020 Updated	Exceptional aid to cover the extra cost of specific prevention equipment Occupational health and safety
15 October 2020	Exceptional travel support for disabled workers Occupational health and safety
16 October 2020	Exceptional support for the implementation of telework Teleworking arrangements, remote working

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Germany

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
15 September 2020	Chamber of industry sets up platform for employee sharing and exchange Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
15 September 2020	COVID-19 info-hotline for East European workers Occupational health and safety
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
14 September 2020	Employer information on COVID-19 help measures Other
14 September 2020	Employers organisations FAQs on COVID-19 Other
14 September 2020	Practical tool for companies to document business changes due to COVID-19 Access to finance

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Greece

Measures to prevent social hardship
07 February 2021	“Alliance against COVID”: Joint action by the social partners GSEE and GSEVEE and the radio station Alpha989 Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
03 September 2020	Information and support group 'ANTI-COVID-19' for workers by trade union GSEE Other
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
05 August 2021	Subsidy to Existing Businesses of Gyms, Playgrounds Direct subsidies (full or partial)
05 August 2021	Subsidy for Self-Employed Lawyers Direct subsidies (full or partial)
04 August 2021	Working capital subsidy for companies affected by the pandemic in the tourism and hospitality sector – Restart Tourism Direct subsidies (full or partial)
13 April 2021	Government’s financial support to theaters, music scenes and performance venues Direct subsidies (full or partial)
17 May 2021	Grant of working capital to catering companies for the supply of raw materials - Restart of catering Direct subsidies (full or partial)
09 April 2021	Gefira II (Bridge II) - State contribution to the tranches for the payment of business or professional debts of all types Direct subsidies (full or partial)
16 September 2021	Subsidy for fishermen due to the temporary cessation of activity Direct subsidies (full or partial)
05 August 2021	SME subsidy for the development of online e-retail Direct subsidies (full or partial)
05 August 2021	Subsidy for catering companies to purchase heating equipment for outdoor services Direct subsidies (full or partial)
16 September 2021	Financial support for aquaculture companies Direct subsidies (full or partial)
06 August 2021	Support for start-ups of the National Register "Elevate Greece" Direct subsidies (full or partial)
04 September 2020	Joint statement of peak level employer’s organizations for the support of businesses and workers Other
04 September 2020	Practical guides of Hellenic Federation of Enterprises on telework and the continuation of business under the crisis of COVID-19 Other
10 September 2020	SMEs memorandum on saving businesses, maintaining jobs and ensuring social cohesion Other

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Ireland

Income protection beyond short-time work
13 July 2021	Agreement on terms of reference for report on move to Living Wage Other
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
13 July 2021	Economic Recovery Plan Support for spending, stimulus packages
13 July 2021	New Pathways to Work strategy as part of National Recovery Plan Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
04 September 2020 Updated	Apprenticeship incentivisation scheme Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
12 October 2020	Government announces extra funds for carers and people with disabilities Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
11 November 2020	July stimulus aims to assist businesses and people get back to work Support for spending, stimulus packages
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
01 December 2020	Online mental health service launched for frontline workers Well-being of workers
Reorientation of business activities
11 July 2021	Funding for the digital transformation of tourism activities and attractions Creation of platforms for businesses aimed at customer
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
07 July 2020 Updated	Grant for restarting small businesses introduced Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
12 April 2021	New Outdoor Dining Funding Scheme Launched Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
28 August 2020	Pandemic stabilisation and recovery fund Access to finance
11 July 2021	New climate fund for business adaptation Direct subsidies (full or partial)
12 November 2020 Updated	New scheme for business severely impacted by COVID-19 Level 5 restrictions Direct subsidies (full or partial)
24 July 2020	Enterprise Ireland/IDA Sustaining Enterprise Scheme Access to finance
06 May 2020	Banks introduce measures to cushion effects of COVID-19 Access to finance
18 February 2021 Updated	COVID-19 Business Aid Scheme (CBAS) targets businesses ineligible for other supports Direct subsidies (full or partial)
16 March 2021	€55 million scheme to support tourism businesses Direct subsidies (full or partial)
28 August 2020	Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) issue new loan scheme Access to finance
18 September 2020	New assistance fund to support microenterprises Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Italy

Employment protection and retention
15 April 2020	Agreement on the anticipation by banks of wage subsidies measures ex-COVID-19 Income support for people in employment (e.g. short-time work)
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
24 September 2020 Updated	New health and safety regulation for the schools Change of work arrangements (working time, rota schemes)
Measures to prevent social hardship
13 April 2020 Updated	Urgent measures of food solidarity Provision of services in kind (e.g. food vouchers)
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
23 September 2020 Updated	Protocol for the safety of workers in the audiovisual sector Occupational health and safety
23 September 2020 Updated	Agreement on health and safety at the workplace for public employees relating to the COVID-19 emergency Changes in work organisation

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Latvia

Income protection beyond short-time work
27 October 2020	Creative workers employment program Extensions of income support to workers not covered by any kind of protection scheme
Measures to prevent social hardship
27 November 2020	Volunteers platform "Easy to help-Stay at home" Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)

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Lithuania

Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services
23 November 2020	Social initiative "Let’s Overcome It Together" Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers

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Luxembourg

Reorientation of business activities
05 January 2021	Fit 4 Resilience Strategic Innovation Programm Change of production/innovation

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Malta

Income protection beyond short-time work
02 April 2021	Parent Benefit 2021 Support for parents and carers (financial or in kind)
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
23 September 2020	Measures to support import and export Support for spending, stimulus packages
24 August 2020	Employment grant to promote access to employment Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
07 July 2020 Updated	Vouchers for use in businesses affected by COVID-19 Support for spending, stimulus packages
Reorientation of business activities
23 September 2020 Updated	Malta Enterprise administers business re-engineering consultancy Change of production/innovation
21 September 2020 Updated	Modernisation of construction equipment Change of production/innovation
05 July 2021	Smart and Sustainable Investment Scheme 2021 Change of production/innovation
05 July 2021	Restart Incentive Scheme 2021 Change of production/innovation
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
07 July 2020	Skills Development Scheme Enhancing employability and training
03 September 2020	Research conducted by employer associations Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
02 April 2021	Restaurants & Snack Bars Support Scheme Direct subsidies (full or partial)
02 April 2021	Support for bars forced to close during COVID-19 Direct subsidies (full or partial)
13 July 2020 Updated	Rent refund for companies Direct subsidies (full or partial)
30 June 2021	One-time grant for businesses forced to close in 2021 Direct subsidies (full or partial)
07 July 2020 Updated	Electricity bill refund Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Netherlands

Measures to prevent social hardship
02 October 2020	COVID-19 protocol to ensure the safety of care transport Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
30 October 2020 Updated	National Social Package: prevention of poverty and problematic household debt Preventing over-indebtedness
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
07 October 2020	Package of measures for culture and recreation Support for spending, stimulus packages
30 October 2020 Updated	National Social Package: stimulating youth employment Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
07 October 2020	Measures to promote economic investment Support for spending, stimulus packages
01 June 2021 Updated	NL Keeps Learning: Training subsidy for the unemployed (NLLD - S) Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
01 June 2021 Updated	NL Keeps Learning: subsidy for EVC procedures (NLLD – SMR) Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
30 October 2020 Updated	National Social Package: re-education, re-skilling and development Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
29 October 2020 Updated	National Social Package: transition to new or different work Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Reorientation of business activities
02 December 2020	Labour matching and exchange: Snijder Project Support BV Matching/networking
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
02 December 2020	Free coaching and advice from the Entrepreneurship Sounding Board Foundation Enhancing employability and training
13 July 2020 Updated	The Netherlands keeps learning Enhancing employability and training
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
13 July 2020 Updated	Start-up loans for the cultural sector Access to finance
17 August 2020 Updated	Extra subsidies to multi-annually subsidised production institutions Direct subsidies (full or partial)
13 July 2020 Updated	Open monument loan Access to finance
13 July 2020 Updated	Extra subsidies to institutions in the cultural infrastructure Direct subsidies (full or partial)
13 July 2020 Updated	Support to creative industries and the cultural sector Direct subsidies (full or partial)
13 July 2020 Updated	Subsidy for fixed costs for SMEs Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Norway

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
09 September 2020	Tripartite educational programmes for the laid off and the unemployed Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
18 December 2020	Unions and employers cry over migrant workers’ quarantine Well-being of workers
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
06 April 2021	Allocation to existing schemes in the cultural sector Access to finance
01 October 2020	Easing access to Innovation Norway's total framework Deferral of payments or liabilities
08 September 2020	Information on crisis packages: Measures for companies Other

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Poland

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
18 September 2020	Social partners protest against government's attempt to breach their autonomy Other
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
11 July 2021	Ombudsman for SMEs asks to enable companies to appeal decisions on aid Direct subsidies (full or partial)

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Portugal

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
08 September 2020	ATIVAR.PT Labour market integration internships Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
07 September 2020	Incentive ATIVAR.PT - Financial incentives to hire registered unemployed Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
01 September 2020	COVID-19: 40 urgent measures for construction workers Occupational health and safety
02 October 2020 Updated	Telework and workers with disability or impairment - exceptional and temporary measure Teleworking arrangements, remote working
13 April 2020	Psychological counselling line - SNS 24 Well-being of workers
13 April 2020	Occupational health and safety in the public transportation service Occupational health and safety
Reorientation of business activities
13 April 2020	Ten companies, mainly from moulds and plastics, from Marinha Grande and Leiria, produce goggles for free distribution Change of production/innovation

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Romania

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
27 September 2020	Measures for protecting the employees in the banking sector Changes of working hours or work arrangements
27 September 2020	Improving safety at the workplace Well-being of workers

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Slovakia

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
24 August 2020	COVID-19 and changes in the OSH legislation Occupational health and safety
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
02 September 2020	COVID-19 FAQ - Guidelines for employers in the automotive sector Other

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Slovenia

Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
10 September 2020	Trade union proposal for a reform of occupational medicine Occupational health and safety
10 September 2020 Updated	Trade union initiative for a complete closure of shops on Sunday Changes of working hours or work arrangements
11 September 2020	Re-establishment of tripartite negotiation on the third and forth emergency laws Other
10 April 2020 Updated	Health and safety at work in the epidemic Occupational health and safety
27 November 2020	Survey of companies about workers, infected in workplaces Occupational health and safety

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Spain

Income protection beyond short-time work
13 November 2020	Unemployment benefit and extension of protection to the cultural sector Extensions of income support to workers not covered by any kind of protection scheme
Measures to prevent social hardship
13 November 2020	Aid for fishermen affected by the state of alarm Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
16 August 2021	Plan for Economic Recovery and Social Protection Support for spending, stimulus packages
16 August 2021	Plan for the Economic and Social Reactivation of the Canary Islands Support for spending, stimulus packages
06 October 2020	Subsidies for hiring people with disabilities in the open labour market of Castilla-La Mancha 2020/93 Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation

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Sweden

Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
16 September 2020	Trygghetsfonden - Competences for work Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
17 September 2020	Practical support for employers and employee representatives to ensure a healthy working life Well-being of workers
17 September 2020	Social partners-run insurance funds research on how COVID-19 affects the work environment, health and leadership Well-being of workers

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United Kingdom

Employment protection and retention
03 October 2020 Updated	The new Jobs Support Scheme Income support for people in employment (e.g. short-time work)
14 September 2020	Public sector union Unison launches COVID-19 hardship fund for members Income support for people in employment (e.g. short-time work)
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery
15 September 2020	Trades Union Congress: Policy Recommendations for the post COVID-19 Economic and Social Recovery Other
08 July 2020 Updated	The Kickstart Initiative and incentivising apprenticeships Active labour market policies, incl. subsidised job creation
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace
14 September 2020	Teaching unions' coronavirus online information hubs Well-being of workers
15 September 2020	COVID-19 coronavirus guidance for unions Well-being of workers
Reorientation of business activities
14 September 2020	Confederation of British Industries' online coronavirus hub Other
Supporting businesses to get back to normal
14 September 2020	Confederation of British Industry issues business guidance Other
Supporting businesses to stay afloat
09 July 2020 Updated	The Bounce Back Loan Scheme Access to finance
11 January 2021	Businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to receive one-off lockdown grants Direct subsidies (full or partial)
09 July 2020	The Future Fund Scheme Access to finance

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COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch

Database of national-level responses

Other initiatives or policies

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

European Union

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom