Europe’s strategy of inserting tens of thousands and thousands of workers on paid leave has thus far succeeded in stemming the widespread job losses which have been seen within the U.S., however now governments throughout the continent are grappling with learn how to wean corporations and staff off the assist.

Factory activity was ravaged across the world in April, business surveys showed, and the outlook looked bleak as government lockdowns to contain the new coronavirus pandemic froze global production and slashed demand.

The coronavirus has infected more than 3.5 million people globally and killed around 247,000. With the public told to stay home in numerous countries, the global economy is expected to suffer its steepest contraction on record this year as supply chains have been massively disrupted.