The federal government may step in to pay the wages of workers whose companies are struggling because of the coronavirus crisis, a media report suggests.
The Australian Financial Review cited sources saying Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg were considering temporary wage subsidies of between 75 per cent to 80 per cent for businesses that retain their staff on the employment books amid the expected economic downturn.
The AFR reports an announcement about the emergency wage payments - which would be capped at middle income earner levels - could be made as soon as Sunday.
Mr Morrison will chair a meeting of the National Cabinet later today.
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