16 May 2022
COVID-19 Support Schemes here to help
Following the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the Falkland Islands on Wednesday 4 May, the Falkland Islands Government would like to remind businesses and individuals that the original support schemes that have been in place since April 2020 have been reviewed and expanded. The schemes now include a number of temporary measures aimed to assist businesses and individuals under certain circumstances.
Job Retention Furlough Scheme
- Up to a total of 5 days of paid leave for individuals who produce a positive COVID-19 test. Total payment for an individual is capped at 5 days leave paid at the employee’s basic salary. A photograph of the positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test including the unique code or QR code/PCR confirmation from KEMH must be submitted with the application form
- Up to a total of £300 allowance for individuals caring for a dependant under the age of 16 years who is unable to attend nursery or school due to a positive COVID-19 test. Allowance paid at a rate of £60 per day up to 5 days and can be claimed by employers for each employee taking leave to care for an eligible dependant. If the employee is eligible for paid leave, they would be expected to be paid at least their normal rate of pay for the leave taken. If the employee takes what would otherwise be unpaid leave, they should be paid at least £60 per day. A photograph of the positive LFD including the unique code or QR code/PCR confirmation from KEMH must be submitted with the application form
- Care for a dependant due to partial closure, full closure or reduced capacity of school/nursery has been included as a qualifying condition for furlough
Self-Employed Income Supplement Scheme – this includes casual worker and those on zero-hour contracts in additional to those who are typically considered self-employed.
- Up to a total of 5 days of paid leave for individuals who produce a positive COVID-19 test. Total payment for an individual is capped at 5 days leave paid at the employee’s average income. A photograph of the positive LFD including the unique code or QR code/PCR confirmation from KEMH must be submitted with the application form
- Up to a total of £300 allowance for individuals caring for a dependant under the age of 16 years who is unable to attend nursery or school due to a positive COVID-19 test. Allowance paid at a rate of £60 per day up to 5 days. A photograph of the positive LFD including the unique code or QR code/PCR confirmation from KEMH must be submitted with the application form
- Care for a dependant due to closure of school/nursery has been included as a qualifying condition for the Income Supplement Scheme
Applications for the additional support will be accepted from 20 April 2022 – 31 July 2022. For more information on the schemes, including the original scheme measures and how to apply please visit www.falklands.gov.fk/covid-19 or contact the Emergency Support Scheme Supervisor on 28470 or