Labor ministry launches employment support program for laid-off workers

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) The Ministry of Labor (MOL) on Tuesday launched a program to support both employers and workers in Taiwan affected by U.S. tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations.

According to an MOL press release, the program offers hiring subsidies, workplace training and job redesign assistance to encourage companies to hire unemployed workers from affected industries. It also provides customized job-matching services and incentives to speed up reemployment.

Employers that hire full-time, monthly-paid unemployed workers referred through the program for at least 30 days can apply for a subsidy of NT$6,000 (US$196) per worker per month, for up to six months, the MOL said.

If a worker's skills do not yet meet job requirements, companies adopting a "hire first, train later" approach can receive a subsidy of up to NT$12,000 per person per month for workplace training, for up to three months, with a maximum annual subsidy of NT$1.8 million.

The program also offers up to NT$100,000 per worker annually for job redesign to help middle-aged and older employees adapt to the workplace. To qualify, employers must retain at least 90 percent of their workforce and refrain from furloughs.

For details on eligibility and applications, visit the program's section on the "TaiwanJobs" website (https://gov.tw/cbm) or call the toll-free hotline 0800-777-888.