A total of €8.8 million, including €880,000 in social security contributions, were paid to more than 7,600 individuals whose employment was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity said 10,263 applications for such assistance were received, the big bulk of which have already been processed. So far, 7,617 applications were accepted and payment amounting to €7.9 million (excluding social security contributions) settled.

Family Minister Michael Falzon said that, in addition to the 5,780 applicants who received assistance under this scheme, another 501 stopped receiving benefits as they returned to work. This, he added, means that 6,281 jobs were secured, over and above the 93,000 jobs saved through the Malta Enterprise schemes.

Almost three-fourths of the beneficiaries are females.