GRTU protests against suspension of ETC schemes

The GRTU has written to the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi asking for a round-table meeting involving all stakeholders to discuss the temporary suspension of two ETC schemes.

In the letter, the union stressed the importance of retaining two employment generating schemes, namely the Training Aid Framework (TAF) and the Employment Aid Programme (TAP). The union said that these two schemes generated more than 2,000 jobs.

The GRTU strongly protested against the temporary suspension of these two schemes which together have a budget of over  €16 million. ETC said the two schemes have been withdrawn due to oversubscription.

"This is a very bad message issued at a very difficult period as these schemes have been very successful in sustaining the level of employment in Malta and have been of particular stimulus to the retaining and expansion of employment in the micro and small business sector," the GRTU said.

"Our main concern until now has been the excessively delayed system of wage refunds on these schemes to small employers. Unfortunately this delay, which causes cash flow problems to many small businesses, owes its responsibility to the Office of the Prime Minister itself due to the excessive bureaucratic demands the Planning and Priorities Coordination Department has practiced."

The ETC said it will be undertaking an exercise to ensure that the funds committed by applicants will be reimbursed. However the corporation explained that failure to submit the claims for reimbursement by the deadlines set will be considered as a withdrawal of the application from the employer's side and the funds allocated to the application in question will be revoked and re-allocated. This will enable the Corporation to free up funds to be allocated to other applicants.