Czech govt. plans to extend ‘Antivirus’ aid programme for businesses

The Czech government aims to extend its “Antivirus” programme supporting businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis by two to four months, Labour Minister Jana Maláčová (Social Democrats) said on Czech Television on Sunday.

The economic aid package includes a kurzarbeit scheme to try to prevent massive layoffs whereby the state pays the bulk of employees’ salaries under certain circumstances so that entrepreneurs will retain workers.

Trade unionists and businesses alike have been lobbying for its extension beyond the end of August.