Statement by Minister Dara Calleary in relation to job losses at Primark

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today said supports are available to workers at Primark HQ in Dublin

Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:

“Following the announcement from Primark, my immediate thoughts are with the workers and their families who are dealing with this difficult news. Our priority now is to ensure that those affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay.

“My Department will be in contact with the company to offer information on all of our income and employment supports that are available to assist these employees over the coming months.

“A team from the Department will be made available to meet with the workforce to ensure prompt access to income supports and to support them into alternative employment, or to access appropriate education, training and development options.

“The new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, which I introduced in March, is available to those who lose their job and meet the eligibility conditions. This scheme provides a maximum weekly payment of €450 which will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.

“Anyone affected should note that the easiest and quickest way to apply for a jobseeker's payment is online at MyWelfare.ie, which provides safe, convenient online access to social welfare services.”