Some local businesses are reporting problems getting staff back to work due to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The benefit was introduced to help people who lost employment income due to COVID-19. The program is widely applauded for helping people thrown out of work due to the pandemic to meet basic expenses. The benefit comes to an end in September.

Richard Alexander of the NL Employers Council says while CERB has been good for those who need it, it’s proven to be a bit of a disincentive for some. He says they’re already receiving reports from some employers of employees declining work for the time being.

While Alexander appreciates the federal government’s quick response, another approach may have prevented some of the issues employers are facing.

He says it would have been beneficial for the Wage Subsidy come out first, and maintain the worker’s attachment to the workplace, with the CERB for those whose employment couldn’t be maintained.