Details of how the Government might manage a nine-day working fortnight will be released later this week, Prime Minister John Key said today.
The nine-day fortnight was one of the most important suggestions to come from last month's jobs summit, when the Government, unions and business leaders got together in Auckland to look for ways to help the country get through the recession.
Its intention is to help companies with problems avoid laying off staff, who would use the 10th day for training or community work.
The main question has been whether the Government would make up their pay, which unions say would be essential because low paid workers could not afford to lose it.
Mr Key told reporters the cabinet had "extensive discussions" today about the nine-day fortnight.
"We'll be able to give more details of the Government's response later this week," he said.
"It's possible the Crown will consider some allowance for workers."
Finance Minister Bill English has previously said the Government's books were in bad shape and there was not much money available for the scheme, or any other.
The cabinet today decided on which ministers will handle the numerous proposals that came out of the job summit and has issued a list detailing their responsibilities.
