During a visit to the Maypole factory in Ħandaq, where preparations are underway for the distribution of their food products for these festive times, Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri thanked the workers for their enthusiasm and innovation during a globally considered challenging year.
He said that next year, government will continue supporting workers and employers through more measures.
The minister stressed that the main pillar behind the success of the Maltese product is the skills of the Maltese workers. He noted how Maypole, with a heritage spanning over four decades, is a clear example of how a family-run business can not only thrive but build a legacy which continues to grow from generation to generation. In fact, in the last four years, the company has doubled the strength of its workforce, and today it has reached a workforce of more than 450 people, and more than 20 retail outlets.
He said that as time goes by, the future of work will focus on the concept of empowered workforce and corporate social responsibility, where companies embrace a strong social awareness for workers and the communities they serve.
He noted the government’s work to regenerate the Maltese economy since the pandemic crisis, while guaranteeing income for employers so that they can keep full-timers and part-timers in employment. He recalled the measures of the ‘Covid Wage-Supplement’ – and stated that measures that will see an investment of 400 million euro till March 2021, in the workers and businesses. He added that the government has introduced holistic measures, which have led to safeguarding jobs and protecting businesses as a result of which, next year, many are committed to keep on investing and expanding.
He recalled the measures taken by the government to safeguard flexibility in the workplace through the telework scheme and assistance to help businesses invest in a sound digital base to support operations. For the coming year, he encouraged businesses to continue to be innovative in product diversification.
Maypole Director Mario Debono welcomed the measures taken by the ministry aimed at helping companies overcome the difficulties posed by the pandemic. “The announced measures helped us deal with the situation that presented new challenges every day. This has also helped us retain all employees and even increase our workforce while focusing on improving our products and services in Malta and Gozo. I am very proud of our management team and the team members who have stood up to make the best use of the challenges presented while ensuring the offered services of the Maypole Group.”
Photo: MEI
