ANALYSIS: Shoppers are having a crisis of confidence as Omicron fears bite
On Tuesday, the federal government reduced the rate for those working less than 20 hours a week. Their payment will drop to $450 from $750 a week, and those who do less than eight hours per week will no longer receive the payment.The welfare group says there are additional costs associated with being sick and looking after the sick, and those on low incomes are bracing for tighter budgets.
The government's calling for calm, reassuring businesses that tax breaks and help with debt remain for eligible for bosses. "The worst-case scenario is that this Omicron caution doesn't ease up, or by the time Omicron eases up we see another variant which pushes spending down further," Timbrell says.
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