The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund is concerned about the influx of members flocking to their office seeking payouts.
On Friday 27th March, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced that SINPF Board has approved support for members who were laid off due to the impact of COVID-19.
Following Friday’s announcement, yesterday morning saw members turning out in the hundreds at the fund’s doorstep, ignoring health advices issued by the Health Ministry.
In a statement, NPF said they have formulated a system to manage the receiving of application, processing and payment of benefits.
The statement said this system is designed to minimize large gathering of people and social distancing of members going to their offices.
“We are appealing for the cooperation of employers who we will be counting on for their support to assist us to implement the offers for their affected employees during the three (3) months period”, the statement from SINPF said.
SINPF said they will be issuing guidelines, processes and procedures within the next few days for all affected employers and employees.
The period of offer by SINPF is for three (3) months. This is from 1st April 2020 to the end of the fund’s financial year which is June 30, 2020.
This offer is purposely for members/employees who are made to leave their jobs because of reasons associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.