Meet Mike Bryant, Regional Commissioner for Social Development and the man leading the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) response to COVID-19.
Mike is well known among local government, business and community agencies – more so in recent times as the Ministry supported the Whakaari / White Island response, and now COVID-19.
Mike says that despite the pandemic, MSD is well placed to be flexible and proactive in supporting people – whether they be employers, people in work or jobseekers.
“Some people have never needed to have contact with MSD in the past. COVID-19 changed that. We’ve seen business owners applying for wage and leave subsidies, and have provided support to individuals and families who have lost their jobs and income.
“My team are adaptable and willing to do their bit in a time of crisis, to help fellow New Zealanders as we come to another step in trying to eradicate COVID-19.
“MSD is known for its ability to deliver income support and we have lifted our employment activity to the same level. Despite the pandemic, we as a region, have been doing well in the employment space. In July alone, 875 Bay of Plenty people moved off benefit into employment.
“Our focus during this challenging time has been to work with employers to help businesses stay open and keep the Bay of Plenty working. We can also help with recruitment and have a wide range of products and services, along with other supports”.
On August 18, the Government announced a two-week Resurgence Wage Subsidy payment to support employers who are still financially impacted by COVID-19. Available from August 21, this two-week payment for businesses who meet criteria, and aren’t currently getting the Wage Subsidy, Wage Subsidy Extension or the Leave Support Scheme, runs until September 3.
“We’re currently reaching out to employers who have accessed the employer subsidies and are running through a ‘health check’ to see how we can further support them to keep their business open”, says Mike.
“We take our responsibility to support our employers and clients and encourage anyone in need of help to contact us”.
