There are 1,400 fewer people on Pandemic Unemployment payments in Galway this week than last according to new figures.
Data from the Department of Social Protection and Employment Affairs shows that there were 28,100 in receipt of Pandemic Unemployment in Galway as of Monday, down from 29,500 the week before.
In total the government is now making payments of €180.5 million to 515,700 people, a weekly drop of 27,400.
Amongst this week’s recipients are 22,200 people who have informed the department that they are returning to work, and 16,200 are receiving their last payment.
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty said this week’s figures represent a 15% drop on peak demand for the payments in May.
As we enter a new phase of our reopening of Irish society today, we can expect the numbers returning to work to continue to climb.
The Minister added that the Pandemic Unemployment has played a “vital role” in contributing to strong public support for the necessary health measures taken in this crisis.
In addition to this, there are now 59,000 employers who have registered with the Revenue Commissioners for the Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
This scheme is now supporting 520,900 people whose wages are being mostly paid by the government, which can cover up to 80% of a person’s wages, with an option for the employer to top it up past that.
It was announced last week that both the Wage Subsidy and Pandemic Unemployment Schemes are being extended until August to support businesses impacted by the crisis as they make the return to normalcy.
“I have tasked my officials to start working on options for the scheme’s future beyond that – taking into account progress in the re-opening of society and the developing health situation.”
“Not everybody will return to work today or tomorrow and my department will continue to assist those who need income replacement supports.”
