There are 350 fewer people in receipt of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment payments in Galway this week, as the number claiming the benefit drops to 11,450.
The number of people on the Pandemic Unemployment scheme in Galway has dropped by almost two thirds since its peak of 32,300 on May 5.
A further 500 people in Galway have closed their account with the Department of Social Protection for the payment this week.
Nationally, the government made payments of €68.6 million to 219,900 people this week, representing a a decrease of 5,100 people in the week before.
The biggest drop by sector was in the are of education this week, where 1,500 people returned to work, leaving 12,850 still on the payment.
“The drop this week is mainly attributed to people returning to work in the education sector,” said Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys.
“I wish to acknowledge the huge effort made by all involved in this sector whose work and determination have enabled our schools to re-open after being closed for so long.”
From September 17 onwards, the PUP scheme payments will be altered again, now including three levels of payments based on prior earnings.
Those earning over €300 a week before the pandemic will receive €300 per week, if they earned between €200 – €300 they will get €250 per week.
And those earning less than €200 a week will receive €203 per week under the scheme, which is the same as the current rate.
The above payments made are in addition to the people who were reported on the Live Register as of the end of July.
