A plan for a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme is set to be released by the Government and could be a saving grace for those unemployed.  

It would mean if a person was laid off, they'd receive 80 percent of their income for an undisclosed period of time. 

It would be funded by a levy of between one and two cents for every dollar earned by employees, and similarly for employers.  

Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking they have an idea of how long they'd like the coverage to last. 

“We’ve been pushing for a limit of six months. That should be enough time for people to reskill and look at alternatives in the workplace.” 

He said it will act as a major safeguard. 

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