An East Galway TD has welcomed the announcement that the Wage Subsidy Scheme will be extended until August.
Minister Ciarán Cannon has said that the extension will be an important support to Galway’s businesses and employees as work continues to return to normality.
“The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme was introduced on 26th March to support the viability of firms and preserve the relationship between the employer and employee, insofar as is possible, by subsidising a portion of the employer wage bill in circumstances where the employer’s business has been negatively impacted by the pandemic.”
Over 58,300 employers have registered for the scheme to date, and over €1.37 billion has been paid out, with over 514,700 employees nationally receiving at least one payment.
“I therefore welcome Minister Donohoe’s announcement that the Wage Subsidy Scheme will be extended until the end of August which will be an important support to Galway`s businesses and employees as work continues to return to normality.
“As the public health restrictions are eased further in the coming weeks, it is anticipated there will be a continued decline in reliance on the scheme throughout the summer as the economy continues to re-open and more people return to work.
“This economic recovery will be monitored and will inform a decision later in the summer on the need for further extension or tapering beyond August.
“I will continue to make the case for those workers who still find themselves unemployed, particularly those in our arts and entertainment sectors who may not fully return to work until next year.”
