The Labour Ministry proposed, and the Cabinet is considering, postponing the start of employee savings and employer contributions to the Labour Welfare Fund from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. The reason cited is flood damage, lower revenue and energy and trade pressures. Employers and SMEs should not start budgeting the contributions for October; plan for them from January 2027 and confirm the final Cabinet decision and the rate rules with the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare before relying on the new date.