PortandTerminal.com, March 16, 2020

Shipping & Logistics company DFDS is the busiest shipping company of its kind in Northern Europe and one of the busiest in Europe.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Danish international shipping and logistics company DFDS has sent 600 employees home and warns of more layoffs outside of Denmark.

In an interview with Shippingwatch (paywall), company CEO Toben Carlsen said that the 600 people will be covered by the Danish government’s new aid package for companies.

Denmark’s coronavirus safety net for companies and employees

Denmark’s government told private companies struggling with drastic measures to curb the spread of coronavirus that it would cover 75% of employees’ salaries if they promised not to cut staff.

Under the three-month aid period that will last until June 9, the state offers to pay 75% of employees’ salaries at a maximum of 23,000 Danish crowns ($3,418) per month, while the companies pay the remaining 25%.

“If there’s a big drop in activity, and production is halted, we understand the need to send home employees. But we ask you: Don’t fire them,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said told a news conference on Sunday (15 March).

READ: Ferry company Stena Line to cut 950 jobs in Sweden due coronavirus

Employees will be obliged to take five days of mandatory vacation or time off from work, she added.

The offer is one of several economic aid packages by the government to help companies and employees cushion the effect of tough measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.