If a unit is made non-operational due to Covid-19, its employees will be deemed to be on duty--says Union Labour Secretary.

The Labour Ministry has advised all companies not to cut jobs or salaries, including those of casual workers. In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Labour Secretary Heeralal Samariya called for a joint effort by all sections of society to address the impact of Covid-19. He expressed apprehensions that the situation may lead to lay-offs or employees being forced to go on leave without pay. If a worker takes leave, he/she should be deemed to be on duty without any consequential deduction in wages for that period, said Samariya. Further, if a unit is made non-operational due to Covid-19, its employees will be deemed to be on duty.