Government plans to cut pandemic payment to part-time workers by 40%: report
The pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) for part-time workers is set to be significantly cut as part of the Government’s plan to reduce the massive welfare bill caused by the pandemic, according to a report this morning.
The report in today’s Irish Independent states the €350-per-week payment will be cut to €203, in line with the jobseeker’s allowance paid to the unemployed.
It adds the payment for full-time workers will be phased out over time under plans being brought to Cabinet this week by Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty.
A Government spokesperson said he was not in a position to comment on the report when contacted by KilkennyNow.ie this morning. Queries have also been sent to the Department of Social Protection seeking comment.
The pandemic payment is due to expire next Monday. However, the Government has signalled it will be extending the emergency scheme to assist people who lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus restrictions.
The Government is likely to face a backlash over any plans to cut the pandemic payments. Sinn Féin, which has clashed with Fine Gael over the issue in the Dáil, insists the payment should stay in place until the end of 2020.
There are currently 543,200 people claiming the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €350 a week.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures published yesterday show unemployment dropped slightly last month, to 26.1pc, but the number of jobless remains at record levels as a result of the pandemic.
More updates to follow.
PHOTO: Stock image
