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COVID-19 Information for Employers
From Department of Social Protection
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The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has ended following the reopening of workplaces. The last payment date was 29 March 2022.
From 22 January 2022 the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment closed to new applicants.
If you are self-employed, you can earn up to €960 gross over 8 weeks and keep your COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
If you are returning to work and are currently receiving the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, you must stop this payment on your first day back at work.
The simplest way to do this is online at MyWelfare.ie.
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Arrears are processed every 4 weeks and are paid into the bank account or Post Office where you last received PUP.
If you are told to self-isolate or restrict your movements by a doctor due to being a probable source of infection or you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you can apply for Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences.
This is a payment of €350 per week. You can apply for this whether you are an employee or if you are self-employed.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme replaced the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme from 1 September 2020.
Both schemes were in payment from 31 July 2020 until the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme ended on 31 August 2020. This allowed employers more flexibility with new hires and seasonal workers who did not qualify for the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
It is expected to continue until 30 April 2022.
If you need to place your employees on a shorter working week or have had to cut their hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your employees can apply for Short Time Work Support.
The Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme was replaced by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme from 1 September 2020.
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