Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to announce to this Honourable House that the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) programme due to expire 31st March, 2022 will be extended to expire on 31st August, 2022.

Mr. Speaker,

This extension is another example of the Ministry of Economy and Labour’s unwavering support for Bermudians. 

As a reminder, the SUB programme was created and implemented pursuant to the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) (Supplemental Unemployment Benefit) Regulations 2020. It was designed to offer additional social protections for Bermudians and Spouses of Bermudians to offset the negative financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. While many have already benefited from this programme, persons still in need of financial support but do not qualify through the Department of Financial Assistance programme, will be eligible to apply for SUB. 

Mr. Speaker,

From its inception in September 2020 until February 2022, direct payment of the SUB was made to 172 individuals for a total cost of $1,743,460. The grand total including benefits paid and administrative costs for the SUB programme was $2,422,774. 

Mr. Speaker,

As of February 2022, a demographic breakdown of SUB recipients is as follows:

i.​114 individuals were cancelled or exited the SUB programme due to gainful employment, non-compliance with legislative requirements, redundancy payments or transition to the financial assistance programme;

ii.​Of the 114, 58 individuals gained employment various sectors; and

iii.​58 individuals remain in the SUB programme;

Mr. Speaker,

It goes without saying that this Government is prepared and ready to support Bermudians despite the financial constraints on the public purse. Once extended, I urge members of the public who remain unemployed or are in need of financial assistance to apply online by visiting forms.gov.bm and completing the Supplemental Unemployment Benefits application. If anyone is unable to complete the form online, they can also obtain an application package from the Department of Financial Assistance which must be completed and submitted with all the required documents.​

As Bermuda moves beyond the pandemic and toward greater economic stability, this Ministry will continue to leverage policies within its remit that support the reintegration of all Bermudians into the local economy. It is anticipated that with continued strengthening of the economy, the downward trend in need for income support will continue.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.