MERA to be paid for 14 days after return to work

Tue, 28 Apr 2020

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan has announced the Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance (MERA) will continue to be paid for a further 14 days from the date a person returns to work.

The measure was announced at today’s coronavirus press briefing, during which he outlined the Isle of Man Government’s current position and the intention to present a revised financial plan to Tynwald in July.

The decision to extend MERA follows a return to work for those involved in the construction and horticulture sectors, recognising that many will not get paid by their employers or customers straightaway.

Earlier today, Tynwald approved an extension of the Salary Support Scheme (SSS) which, along with MERA, runs for 12 weeks and is the Government’s central mechanism to support the economy through the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of employees which a business must employ to qualify for the SSS has been reduced from a minimum of 2 to 1, and all claimants now have until May 31 to claim for the first four weeks. Around 1,600 employers are registered with the Assessor of Income Tax as having one employee, and the extension is forecast to cost an additional £5.3m.

---