The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep spoke about Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul’s concern for people affected by severe flooding. He said that the Labour Minister has assigned all affiliated units to implement assistance measures to victims both pre and post flooding, whereby surveying organizations/employers and employees to assess impacts, in order to provide effective assistance.
Mr. Ananchai said that the Ministry of Labour’s assistive measures for flood victims included distribution of food and drinks, support in transportation and relocation, provision of temporary shelter, cooperation from employers to be more flexible with working hours/days or allowing severely affected workers to take days off. The Ministry of Labour has also arranged mobile units to spread awareness about job vacancies and training for the affected; training includes maintenance for motorbikes, electronics and small appliances, and agricultural equipment damages from the flooding. Services will also include safety inspections in organizations in order to advise improvements and restoration before work or expansion, and will also postpone social security contribution deadlines without a penalty. The ministry will also take measures to implement emergency employment and skills development initiatives to alleviate the impacts.
The Sakon Nakhon Office of Skills Development has distributed boxed foods to people in Sakon Nakhon which has been most severely affected by the flooding. In addition to this, the provincial offices of skills development in flooded areas has also provided support to help fix electronic appliances, vehicles and agricultural equipment damaged by the flooding.
Employers, workers and the general public can access assistance by contacting the Ministry of Labour’s affiliated units at the provincial labour offices, the provincial employment offices, the provincial labour protection and welfare offices, provincial skills development offices/institutes and the social security offices nationwide. The Department of Employment’s 1694 hotline and the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s 1546 hotline can also be reached for assistance.
—————————————-
Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
1 August 2017
