"These measures, criteria and terms that we have stipulated and the way in which we are acting show quite clearly the high level of confidence we are placing in businesses and we are asking them to respond in kind. Because it is precisely this confidence that is the key precondition for achieving the solidarity we are all talking about," Maric said.
He said that everyone that can contribute to economic activity, and consequently to the functioning of the state, should make their contribution and help, based on the principle of solidarity, those that cannot work through no fault of their own.
The government worked out the April package of measures through several conclusions and decisions as well as through bills and legislative amendments.
The government decided to increase aid to businesses in difficulty to preserve jobs, increasing the net minimum wage from HRK 3,250 to 4,000. The government will cover all contributions payable on this amount, or about HRK 1,460 per employee. This measure will cost about HRK 8.5 billion and only employers who do not lay off workers will be entitled to it.
"This is not a wage. I hope and am confident that many businesses will pay their workers higher wages than that," Maric said, adding that everyone who receives the grant of HRK 3,250 for March will be exempt from paying contributions.
The latest data shows that 66,000 enterprises have applied for this measure for more than 400,000 workers, Maric said, adding that payments will be made before Easter, namely by 10 April.