The appeal was made by the OZS management board as it discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its members, most of whom are grappling with slack or no business.

The third stimulus package brings a subsidised short-time work scheme and measures to help catering and tourism. The government has proposed extending the furlough scheme, the centrepiece of the first stimulus package, for the two sectors until the end of June.

"The furlough scheme is very important considering that many industries have no work and won't have it for a while," OZS head Branko Meh said.

"Information from the ground shows that the scheme will help them keep employees and preserve jobs. This is why we've made a renewed call on the government for the furlough scheme to be extended for all industries and not just for June," Meh added.

The OZS had also expected the government would include in the third package the chamber's proposal to tackle the issue of rents for privately-held commercial premises. The chamber had also asked for an extension of the deadline for the payment of annual holiday bonuses to employees or that the bonus be covered by the state this year.

The slump in business and orders brought on by the pandemic has affected coach and bus transport providers, caterers, confectionery businesses, tourist guides, event organisers, tent rental businesses, photographers, beauticians, dress- and shoemakers and drycleaners, among others.

The slump is so bad the subsidy for furloughed staff will not do for some of the worst-affected businesses, hence the proposal to the government to take care of the sectors not addressed in the third package in a new stimulus package.