This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission. A Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment spokesperson said while an employee needed to discuss their situation with their employer and agree whether paid or unpaid leave was being taken, the wage subsidy scheme could be applied for, to "support employers in paying all employees legally employed in New Zealand". RNZ Kiwi workers overseas may still receive a wage subsidy"If those overseas on leave are normally employed in New Zealand, then their employer could seek the wage subsidy to support paying their wages, provided they meet the other criteria." READ MORE:* Coronavirus: Some workers missing out despite wage subsidy* Coronavirus: Employers pocketing wage subsidy face fraud charges* Coronavirus: Woman says employer applied for wage subsidy after making her redundant* Coronavirus: workers' rights and wage subsidy questions answeredThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there were nearly 24,000 New Zealanders registered on its SafeTravel site as being overseas but because registration was voluntary, the real number was almost certainly higher. This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Source: Stuff April 15, 2020 23:15 UTC