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Next Monday, the first part of the Government's de-escalation plan, the so-called 'Phase 0', is launched, which will allow some businesses such as bars and restaurants to reactivate part of their activity. Many companies chose to take ERTEs because of force majeure authorized by the Government to deal with the coronavirus and now, part of their workers are wondering how the reopening will affect their employment situation.

Faced with this issue, the Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz , has pointed out that the temporary employment regulation files (ERTEs) will continue, but "it is necessary to determine to what degree and at what rate". In an interview on the Al Rojo Vivo program of La Sexta, Díaz explained that bars, restaurants and businesses that only partially open will be able to maintain the ERTE if they need it and remove from that situation only the workers they need to retake the exercise. "Have peace of mind because the mechanism continues despite their reopening," said the person in charge of Labor.

In the same intervention, Díaz has assured that the union and employers continue to negotiate to determine the conditions under which the ERTE will be extended, an agreement that he takes for granted. "It is important that social dialogue works and hopefully an agreement is reached as soon as possible for the ERTE," he added.

The Minister of Labor stressed that the ERTE have been a "very effective" measure, so "it would not make sense for it to be dropped now" and has sent a message of tranquility and has affirmed that the protection mechanisms for workers and companies launched by the coronvarius "will continue". In addition, it has indicated that next Monday the people who are in ERTE and whose files entered the month of April, will collect the benefit.

Government forecasts

Regarding the Stability Plan sent to Brussels, which states that the unemployment rate will grow to 19%, the minister has stated that the data is in line with reports from other entities and that the Government is " realistic ". In addition, he stressed that the unemployment data will not reach the record figures recorded in the previous crisis, but that "it is true" that there will be a sharp drop in employment.

"I think the key is to deploy measures that provide social coverage and allow for a very important economic recovery. The key to getting out of this crisis is to act quickly, " he added.

The head of Labor has also stressed that it is necessary to put "more than ever" the value of taxes , which are showing that they are essential. Just as he believes that the country's taxation must be reconfigured, because it is seven points from the European Union average.

Freelancers

Asked why the self-employed feel that they are not the Executive's priority, Díaz has stressed that Pedro Sánchez's Executive has "an absolute commitment" to this group and that it is working to help in any way it can.

"Our economy is supported by small companies and the self-employed, and this chain is what allows it to work, which is why we have absolute priority to help them," he said.

On the other hand, the minister believes that this May Day is going to make history, because the streets are empty, but the workers are "more present than ever, because they are the ones who are saving the lives of the country." "The numbers on the table are very harsh and we are going to live intense weeks that are going to set a tough and profoundly damaging scenario for all of us," according to Díaz.

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  • Yolanda Diaz
  • European Union

CoronavirusThe Government already raises a Spain without hotels, bars and restaurants recovered until Christmas

TourismThe Government anticipates a catastrophic summer and extends the ERTE to temporary workers

COVID-19 de-escalationThe Community of Madrid asks Calviño for an automatic conversion of the ERTE due to force majeure to avoid "massive destruction" of employment