Deok union has called for the immediate payment of unemployment benefits to seasonal workers in the hotel and food sector.

Workers suspended from work in November because of closures in the sector are not due to receive their unemployment benefits until March.

“Employees in the food and hotel industry are paying the highest price because of the effects of the pandemic on the economy and especially on the tourism sector,” Deok said on Wednesday.

“For two consecutive years the vast majority of hotel employees and their families face social deprivation and impoverishment due to unemployment, underemployment and a dramatic drop in their incomes.”

The union said that the long delays in the payment of unemployment benefits affects all the unemployed. However, for these particular employees there should be a different approach and the benefits they are entitled to should be paid immediately due to their pressing economic and social needs.

Deok called on the labour minister to intervene promptly and decisively to resolve the issue.