blogList

Many food retailers have announced record sales, as have online shopping sites and stores that are now offering on-line sales while their stores are closed. As a result retail staff, drivers and roles in logistics and warehousing are in still in demand.There has also been an obvious sharp increase in job ads for care workers and nurses as hospitals, care facilities and elderly care homes manage the impact of Covid-19. Global pharmaceutical companies continue to remain busy also, as they play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of essential drugs.The childcare sector was busy recruiting until the last lockdown but it is expected that recruitment will increase again as childcare facilities open back up again for all children. Security and cleaning jobs are also in high demand - while a lot of buildings remain empty they still need to be kept secure and clean. Cleaning operatives are also required to keep medical facilities sterile.A large number of charitable organisations are still recruiting for both paid and voluntary roles, as they struggle to cope with the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on their clients.<a href="www.jobalert.ie">CHECK OUT OPEN JOBS HERE</a>

Who's still recruiting?

<h1></h1><h2>The Pandemic Unemployment Payment &amp; Enhanced Illness Benefit will continue until end June </h2><h3>PUP will remain open to new entrants with rates to remain unchanged and the waiver on waiting days for Jobseeker’s has also been extended.</h3><h3></h3><h3>If you are affected by the continued lockdown the quickest and easiest way to apply for supports is through www.MyWelfare.ie</h3><h3></h3>Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys TD, has secured Government approval to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Enhanced Illness Benefit until June 30th, 2021.The two schemes, introduced as a direct response to the Pandemic, were due to expire on March 31st.Minister Humphreys also confirmed that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will remain open to new entrants.It will continue to be paid at four rates (€350, €300, €250 and €203) which are linked to a person’s prior income.This week, the Department of Social Protection issued weekly payments valued at €141.88 million to 473,413 people in receipt of the PUP.To date, over 847,000 people have received at least one PUP payment and over €6 billion has been paid out since the scheme was introduced last March.Meanwhile, the Enhanced Illness Benefit will continue to be paid at the rate of €350 up until June 30th, 2021.To date, over 136,000 people have been medically certified for receipt of a Covid-19 related Illness Benefit payment.The Enhanced Illness Benefit is available to people who are diagnosed by their medical doctor with the Covid-19 virus or who are required by their medical doctor to self-isolate. The rate of payment is €350 per week.Unlike the Department’s general Illness Benefit, there are no waiting days attached to this payment, so it is paid from day one of illness or self-isolation.Speaking after today’s Cabinet meeting, Minister Humphreys said:<blockquote>“As the pandemic continues to impact on all aspects of our lives, I believe it is essential to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Enhanced Illness Benefit until the end June 2021.</blockquote><blockquote>“These supports have proven vital in supporting workers who lose their employment, as well as those who contract Covid-19 and must self-isolate.</blockquote><blockquote>“This week, over €140m was spent on the PUP, supporting over 473,000 people. This brings the total PUP bill to date to over €6 billion, which demonstrates both the scale and the importance of this support.</blockquote><blockquote>“As I have said previously, as long as these restrictions are in place, the Government will continue to support workers and businesses.</blockquote>Minister Humphreys added:<blockquote>“I am also pleased to secure Cabinet approval to extend the Enhanced Illness Benefit until June 30th, in line with the PUP.<blockquote>“Once a person has been diagnosed with having the Covid-19 virus or are asked to self-isolate they can make an application for the Enhanced Illness Benefit online and their doctor will also submit the illness certificate.</blockquote><blockquote>“It is paid from day one of a person’s illness or self-isolation and the rate of payment is €350 per week.</blockquote><blockquote>“So the message for anyone who contracts Covid-19 or displays symptoms of the virus is simple: Do not in any circumstance attend the workplace. The Enhanced Illness Benefit is in place to support you.”</blockquote><h4>Waiver on Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance</h4>Minister Humphreys also secured Government approval to extend the waiver on waiting days for Jobseeker’s payments until the end of June 2021. Essentially, this means that when a person applies for either Jobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance, their payment is paid from day one.Ordinarily, when a person applies for either of these two payments, they are not paid for the first 3 days – they are called ‘waiting days’.Previously, the ‘waiting days’ requirement was waived at the onset of Covid-19, to facilitate people who got temporary work.This measure was due to expire at the end of March but will now be extended in line with the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Enhanced Illness Benefit.Minister Humphreys continued:<blockquote>“I want to ensure that we are not placing any obstacles in the way of people who find temporary work at this time.</blockquote><blockquote>“So, a person who gets temporary work any time between now and the end of June will not be penalised with ‘waiting days’ when that work finishes. Their Jobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance will be paid immediately.”</blockquote></blockquote>

Lockdown Extension Supports

Vodafone are seeking first, second and third-year undergraduate students to participate in their 2021 Vodafone Internship Programme,Kickstart your career with an exciting three month paid internship at Vodafone Ireland! You will be working on challenging and creative projects in a friendly and flexible environment. Their future-ready leaders will provide you with expert training and invaluable experiences. Give your career the best start and strive to become a leader of the future!The flexible nature of Vodafone’s summer 2021 internship means that; ​You can choose to work fully remotely during your three-months with them. ​As they move into our hybrid work model you can split your time between working at their Mountain View Office in Dublin and at home (Depending on Government COVID19 guidelines and provided it is safe to do so). This year’s programme is offering 30 technological and commercial roles for interns across each of the company’s seven business units, which include HR, strategy and finance, consumer, commercial operations and technology. Vodafone said interns will work with leaders across the organisation, take on responsibilities and work on innovative projects, giving them a “collaborative and interactive summer”.The company’s head of people development and operations, Julie Mernagh, said the 2021 internship summer programme will offer greater flexibility.“30 successful interns will be given the opportunity to lead fulfilling projects and challenging experiences with the choice of working on a hybrid or remote working basis,” she said. “I am proud Vodafone Ireland can continue to deliver on our commitment to youth through the use of technology while increasing accessibility to a wider talent pool.”More than 800 young people have taken part in Vodafone Ireland’s youth programmes to date, the company said. This September, it will also welcome 40 new hires to the company through its graduate programme.The world is changing fast so now is the time for innovation and digital empowerment. Vodafone provides a global platform for over 50 million people to connect and make things happen all over the world everyday. They need YOU to be a part of their story. Ideal interns will be digitally focused with a curious mindset and dedicated to connect for a better future.<h3></h3><h3>Find Where You Belong This Summer</h3>You could find yourself practically anywhere from HR, Strategy and Finance to Consumer, Commercial Operations, Technology and Vodafone Business. You’ll be matched to roles within these seven diverse departments based on your prior experience from university and elsewhere!COMPETITIVE SALARY ON OFFERWhen you join the internship Programme, you will enjoy a competitive salary and experience the Vodafone lifestyle! The benefits of being a Vodafone employee go beyond working for a global tech company and include their new Evolve platform which is a robust programme that takes care of everything you need from Mental Wellbeing to physical Fitness and everything in between!<h4>Remote working</h4><h4>Evolve Wellbeing app</h4><h4>Graduate opportunities upon completion</h4><h4>Free phone bill</h4><h4>Flexible working hours</h4><h4>Exclusive discounts</h4><h4>3 Additional charity days leave</h4><h4>Many more benefits on offer</h4><h4></h4>IMPORTANT DATES;February 28th - Applications close &amp; evaluation of video interviews begin.April - Virtual Experience Day and AssessmentJune - The Internship Programme begins!FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY <a href="https://n.vodafone.ie/careers/internships.html">CLICK HERE </a>

Virtual Vodafone Internship Programme 2021

It may be legal for companies in the UK to insist on new staff being vaccinated as a condition of their employment. But it has brought up much debate and legal argument!While some companies have already issued their new NO JAB, NO JOB policies, Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland has said it was unlikely bosses could make existing workers have vaccines under their current contracts.In an article published by BBC, &quot;Downing Street has said it would be &quot;discriminatory&quot; to order people to be vaccinated to keep their job.But some firms say they will not hire new staff who refuse to have the jab.In an interview with ITV on Wednesday, Mr Buckland said compelling new staff to be inoculated could, in theory, be possible if it was written into their contracts.However, employers would probably need to take legal action if existing staff refused such an order, he said.&quot;I think that has to be the case because we&#39;re dealing with existing terms of contracts of employment, thousands of existing contracts,” he said.He added that the legality of “no jab, no job” would depend “very much on the terms of employment and the particular contract”.&quot;Generally speaking I&#39;d be surprised if there were contracts of employment existing now that did make that approach lawful. I think frankly the issue would have to be tested.”London-based Pimlico Plumbers is one company that has said it will not hire new staff who have refused the vaccination on non-medical grounds.Employment lawyers initially questioned the move, but on Wednesday founder Charlie Mullins said he had been advised it was legal.&quot;We&#39;ve obviously been talking to lawyers and they&#39;re very happy that we can add this proposal to any new workers that start with us once the vaccine is rolled out,&quot; he told BBC Radio 4&#39;s Today programme.&quot;We&#39;ll be using the new contracts two to three months from now. When people come along for a job with us, if they&#39;re not happy to sign that, then again that&#39;s their choice, but they certainly won&#39;t be given a job with Pimlico Plumbers.&quot;Care home operator Barchester Healthcare has also said all new hires will be obliged to get the jab.&quot;With regards to our staff, we are doing all we can to reassure and encourage those who are a little more reticent to have the vaccination, and we are also ensuring that all new staff must have the vaccination (if they medically can) before starting work looking after our vulnerable residents and patients who are in our care,&quot; Barchester Healthcare wrote on its website.<h2>&#39;Open to challenge&#39;</h2>David Samuels, legal director at law firm Lewis Silkin, said that there is nothing legally to stop a business from placing a &quot;no jab, no job&quot; clause in contracts for new hires.However, he cautioned that employers would need to analyse each job role and evaluate health and safety risks before introducing such a clause.Failure to do so would make it possible to challenge a contract as being unfair or discriminatory, if a claimant can prove they are exempt from having the vaccine for some reason, or unable to access it.There are concerns, for example, that &quot;no jab, no job&quot; policies would disproportionately affect young people who are last in line to get the jab.&quot;It&#39;s going to be harder to justify - especially if they don&#39;t go through that process and document it, and it will be more likely that they will be challenged successfully through a legal claim,&quot; Mr Samuels told the BBC.He added that his firm had received enquiries about whether such a clause could be put in place if the business necessitated some staff to work in the office or in a factory.The prime minister&#39;s official spokesman has said: &quot;Taking a vaccine is not mandatory and it would be discriminatory to force somebody to take one.&quot;Source; <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56113366">https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56113366</a>

'No JAB, no JOB' policies may be legal for new hires in the UK

<h1></h1><h2>A €15m scrappage scheme is now available to taxi drivers who go electric</h2>Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD has announced the expansion of the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis and hackneys. The scheme has increased from €1m in 2020 to €15m in 2021 with grants of up to €20,000 now available to existing SPSV drivers who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.As part of the existing scheme, drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery eSPSV with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair accessible model. Those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are now eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric with €20,000 available for a new full electric or €25,000 for a wheelchair accessible new battery electric vehicle.Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “An efficient and low emitting public transport system is a key priority for my Department. This scheme will play a critical role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions while also normalising the use of electric vehicles in Ireland. The overall funding has risen to €15m to help accelerate the greening of the SPSV fleet. It represents a doubling of supports in many instances as we work to support the sector as it moves towards electric vehicles.Replacing older vehicles can play an important role in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and emissions, and the changes to the Scheme in 2021 reflect greater levels of support for older SPSVs, or those with high vehicle mileage.”As part of the support for the SPSV sector, the Department of Transport is investing in the installation of SPSV dedicated recharging infrastructure across the country. Last year, chargers were installed at Dublin (22kW and 2 x 150kW) and Cork (22kW and 50kW) airports, which are both already operational, as well as at Dublin (Heuston), Cork (Kent) and Limerick (Colbert) train stations (2 x50Kw) which will be available to SPSV drivers by March. Further installations at key transport hubs will also be completed in 2021.Minister Ryan added: “Taxi-drivers have had a difficult time during the pandemic, and while government has provided ongoing support we realise making an investment in a new vehicle at this time will be a challenge for many. However, we wanted to prepare the ground so that there are increased grants in place as the economy recovers.”SPSV drivers who make the switch to an electric vehicle can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000), the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €600) and annual toll refunds (up to €1,000). This is in addition to the significant fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with electric models.The Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the NTA. For further information on the grant and how to apply, <a href="visit www.nationaltransport.ie">visit www.nationaltransport.ie</a> .

Up to  €25,000  available to Taxis to go Electric in €15m Fund

<h2>Popular Jobs during Lockdown</h2>Retail, Logistics &amp; WarehousingThere&#39;s no surprise that many food retailers have announced record sales, as have online shopping sites and stores that are now offering on-line sales while their stores are closed. As a result retail staff, drivers and roles in logistics and warehousing are in very high demand.Care &amp; MedicalThere has also been a sharp increase in job ads for care workers and nurses, as hospitals, care facilities and elderly care homes manage the impact of Covid-19. PharmaceuticalGlobal pharmaceutical companies continue to remain busy also, as they play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of essential drugs.ChildcareThe childcare sector also continues to recruit, but this is an area that&#39;s always struggling to recruit.Security and CleaningThere has also been a marked increase in the number of job vacancies for security and cleaning jobs. These empty buildings till have to be kept secure and maintained.Take Away FoodOf course Take Aways are flying at the moment, so there&#39;s a constant need for staff in this area and delivery people, particularly for those restaurants and cafes that have now turned from restaurant service to delivery as they pivot their business to survive.CharitiesA large number of charitable organisations are still recruiting for both paid and voluntary roles, as they struggle to cope with the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on their clients.If you are searching for a job, check out all the jobs we have on offer <a href="WWW.JOBALERT.IE">HERE</a>

Still hiring during Lockdown

<h2>Dáil Motion re Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme - Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD</h2>From Department of Finance By: Minister for Finance; Paschal DonohoePublished on 3 February 2021The Dáil Motion outlined the following;Following a robust debate last week on the Covid Restriction Support Scheme, a resolution for debate was sought for the approval of the House for another order which also deals with the challenges faced by businesses across the economy arising from the Level 5 public health restrictions.This order provides for additional support to be given under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the EWSS.This enhancement to the EWSS is in the context of unprecedented levels of support that are being provided by the Government to assist businesses and workers in Ireland through this pandemic.To date, additional expenditure of well over €10 billion has been paid out with more planned still in 2021 to sustain businesses and help people to manage financially in the midst of these very difficult times:<ul><li>Sums of over €1 billion have been approved for over 50,000 businesses under the range of measures that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, has put in place to support businesses through loan and loan guarantees schemes, grant schemes and specific business training and advisory services;</li><li>Supports are also available to assist businesses in moving online, in adapting to changed circumstances and also when they are restarting as restrictions are lifted;</li><li>The Revenue Commissioners have also assisted businesses through the debt warehousing schemes with 70,000 businesses putting tax liabilities of almost €2 billion into the schemes;</li><li>As of 28 January 2021, 58,300 claims for payments of €244.2 million in respect of 20,100 premises have been made under the CRSS;</li><li>Nearly €6 billion has been spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (the PUP) to support workers and their families with nearly half a million people receiving a payment last month.</li></ul>In addition to the above, the wage subsidy schemes have been a central pillar of the Government’s response to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting viable firms and encouraging employment. To that end it is an important bridge between social welfare payments like the PUP and regular employment which is the ultimate goal.The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, or TWSS, was in place from March until the end of August 2020. Over 66,500 employers received subsidy payments of almost €2.9 billion in respect of over 664,000 employees.To date, over 44,800 employers and 505,600 employees have been supported by the EWSS with direct subsidies of over €1.7 billion being paid out and PRSI credit of €303 million being granted by the 28 January 2021.Although it is noted that this scale of support cannot continue indefinitely, the Government continues to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses and the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to minimise the negative effects insofar as is possible.The EWSS is an economy wide support open to all sectors, with the primary employer qualification based on the employer’s turnover in the current six month period being less compared with the same pre-pandemic period in 2019.The legislation provides that the employer must be able to demonstrate that they are operating at no more than 70% in either the turnover of the employer’s business or the customer orders received by the employer by reference to the period from 1 January to 30 June 2021 compared with the same period in 2019.The EWSS is designed to be flexible for the employer and take account of potentially sudden changes in turnover so if there is a reduction in turnover in the future because of a change in circumstance the employer may be entitled to make a claim for that later period.The EWSS is administered by Revenue and payments are made as soon as practicable, typically within 2 working days after payroll to minimise cashflow concerns for employers when paying wages.I would like to take the opportunity in the House today to acknowledge the efficiency with which Revenue has been operating the scheme, which has been extremely effective at getting support to employers quickly.The level of subsidy given to the employer is based on the number of paid workers on the payroll per week, and a flat-rate per head value is applied based on prospective pay levels so that claims may be made for new hires and seasonal workers.Following the re-introduction of Level 5 restrictions in October 2020, the Government decided that from 20 October 2020 the EWSS subsidy would be up to €350 per week in line with the levels of payments given under the PUP scheme. As a result, the weekly rates of subsidy payable to the employer are as follows:<ul><li>€203 per employee paid between €151.50 and €202.99</li><li>€250 per employee paid between €203 and €299.99</li><li>€300 per employee paid between €300 and €399.99</li><li>€350 per employee paid between €400 and €1,462.</li></ul>The subsidy payable is nil for employees paid less than €151.50 and more than €1,462 per week.As set out in Finance Act 2020, the enhanced rates were to be in place until 31 January 2021 after which they were due to return to the original rates of €151.50 for those paid more than €151.50 per week and €203 for those paid more than €203 per week.However, in the context of decisions taken on the latest public health restrictions, at the Government meeting of 6 January 2021 it was decided that the current rates of the EWSS will be maintained until 31 March 2021.This decision is aligned with the retention of the current pay-related rates of payment for the PUP until 31 March 2021.Such alignment is considered essential in that, in the absence of same, there is a risk of migration of employees from EWSS to PUP during the current Level 5 restrictions, thus undermining the purpose of the EWSS.To the maximum extent possible the objective is to maintain a position where as many employees as possible currently on EWSS retain their link with their employer rather than migrate to the PUP and lose their connection with an employer.Recent trends on the EWSS would also indicate that it plays an important role in getting people back work as public health restrictions are eased, thereby reducing the numbers dependent on the PUP.Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provides that, as Minister for Finance, I may vary certain aspect of the scheme by Ministerial Order.The aspects of the scheme that may be amended in this way relate to:<ul><li>the end date of the measure, which may be extended to a date no later than 30 June 2021;</li><li>the rate of subsidy that may apply and the applicable employee income thresholds that such rates would apply to; and</li><li>the criteria of the turnover test that determines qualifying employers.</li></ul>The exercise of this power is subject to specified conditions and the legislation sets out a number of steps to be taken before an Order varying the scheme can be validly made:<ul><li>As Minister for Finance, I have a duty to monitor the EWSS and have regular assessment carried out to determine whether it is necessary to adjust the level of certain elements of the scheme. This would be to ensure the objectives of providing the necessary stimulus to the economy are fulfilled so as to mitigate the effects on the economy of Covid-19, or to facilitate the furtherance of any of the purposes specified in section 28A(3) of that Act, which includes efficient use of Exchequer resources and protection of the public finances.</li><li>Following completion of such an assessment, if the view is formed, having consulted with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Public Expenditure, as Minister for Finance I am empowered to amend such elements by way of secondary legislation.</li><li>Such an Order shall not be made unless a draft has to be laid before Dáil Éireann and a resolution approving the draft has to be passed by the House.</li></ul>I can therefore confirm that I intend to exercise the powers conferred by Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and that the following steps have been taken to comply with the legislation:<ul><li>Regular assessments have been carried out noting the utilisation of the EWSS, the continued challenges for the Irish economy arising from the covid-19 pandemic and the Exchequer cost.</li><li>I have formally consulted with his colleagues the Ministers for Social protection and Public Expenditure and Reform and have determined that it is necessary that the current EWSS rates remain in place until 31 March 2021.</li><li>The estimated cost of the extension of the enhanced rates is €38m per week, to be met from the voted expenditure of the Department of Social Protection, noting that this additional cost is considered a subset of the overall cost estimate of the impact of the latest public health restrictions.</li><li>The draft Regulations entitled Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (Covid-19: employment wage subsidy scheme) (Date Adjustment) Order 2021 were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 22 January 2021.</li></ul>The resolution before the House approves this Order and I commend it to the House.I will conclude by noting that the operation of the EWSS and its effectiveness continues to be kept under close review and, while there are no plans to re-visit the core eligibility criteria for the EWSS at this time, the Government’s position is that there will be no cliff-edge to the EWSS.In that regard it is noted that the legislation implementing the measure provides that it will be in place until 31 March 2021, but also provides that the scheme may be extended until the end of June 2021 if required and subject to the same procedural conditions set out above.It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible.Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.Source : <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/speech/52396-dail-motion-re-employment-wage-subsidy-scheme-minister-for-finance-paschal-donohoe-td/">HERE </a>

EWSS may be extended until the end of June 2021 if required

<h1></h1><h2>Dáil Motion re Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme - Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD</h2>From Department of Finance By: Minister for Finance; Paschal DonohoePublished on 3 February 2021The Dáil Motion outlined the following;Following a robust debate last week on the Covid Restriction Support Scheme, a resolution for debate was sought for the approval of the House for another order which also deals with the challenges faced by businesses across the economy arising from the Level 5 public health restrictions.This order provides for additional support to be given under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the EWSS.This enhancement to the EWSS is in the context of unprecedented levels of support that are being provided by the Government to assist businesses and workers in Ireland through this pandemic.To date, additional expenditure of well over €10 billion has been paid out with more planned still in 2021 to sustain businesses and help people to manage financially in the midst of these very difficult times:<ul><li>Sums of over €1 billion have been approved for over 50,000 businesses under the range of measures that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, has put in place to support businesses through loan and loan guarantees schemes, grant schemes and specific business training and advisory services;</li><li>Supports are also available to assist businesses in moving online, in adapting to changed circumstances and also when they are restarting as restrictions are lifted;</li><li>The Revenue Commissioners have also assisted businesses through the debt warehousing schemes with 70,000 businesses putting tax liabilities of almost €2 billion into the schemes;</li><li>As of 28 January 2021, 58,300 claims for payments of €244.2 million in respect of 20,100 premises have been made under the CRSS;</li><li>Nearly €6 billion has been spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (the PUP) to support workers and their families with nearly half a million people receiving a payment last month.</li></ul>In addition to the above, the wage subsidy schemes have been a central pillar of the Government’s response to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting viable firms and encouraging employment. To that end it is an important bridge between social welfare payments like the PUP and regular employment which is the ultimate goal.The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, or TWSS, was in place from March until the end of August 2020. Over 66,500 employers received subsidy payments of almost €2.9 billion in respect of over 664,000 employees.To date, over 44,800 employers and 505,600 employees have been supported by the EWSS with direct subsidies of over €1.7 billion being paid out and PRSI credit of €303 million being granted by the 28 January 2021.Although it is noted that this scale of support cannot continue indefinitely, the Government continues to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses and the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to minimise the negative effects insofar as is possible.The EWSS is an economy wide support open to all sectors, with the primary employer qualification based on the employer’s turnover in the current six month period being less compared with the same pre-pandemic period in 2019.The legislation provides that the employer must be able to demonstrate that they are operating at no more than 70% in either the turnover of the employer’s business or the customer orders received by the employer by reference to the period from 1 January to 30 June 2021 compared with the same period in 2019.The EWSS is designed to be flexible for the employer and take account of potentially sudden changes in turnover so if there is a reduction in turnover in the future because of a change in circumstance the employer may be entitled to make a claim for that later period.The EWSS is administered by Revenue and payments are made as soon as practicable, typically within 2 working days after payroll to minimise cashflow concerns for employers when paying wages.I would like to take the opportunity in the House today to acknowledge the efficiency with which Revenue has been operating the scheme, which has been extremely effective at getting support to employers quickly.The level of subsidy given to the employer is based on the number of paid workers on the payroll per week, and a flat-rate per head value is applied based on prospective pay levels so that claims may be made for new hires and seasonal workers.Following the re-introduction of Level 5 restrictions in October 2020, the Government decided that from 20 October 2020 the EWSS subsidy would be up to €350 per week in line with the levels of payments given under the PUP scheme. As a result, the weekly rates of subsidy payable to the employer are as follows:<ul><li>€203 per employee paid between €151.50 and €202.99</li><li>€250 per employee paid between €203 and €299.99</li><li>€300 per employee paid between €300 and €399.99</li><li>€350 per employee paid between €400 and €1,462.</li></ul>The subsidy payable is nil for employees paid less than €151.50 and more than €1,462 per week.As set out in Finance Act 2020, the enhanced rates were to be in place until 31 January 2021 after which they were due to return to the original rates of €151.50 for those paid more than €151.50 per week and €203 for those paid more than €203 per week.However, in the context of decisions taken on the latest public health restrictions, at the Government meeting of 6 January 2021 it was decided that the current rates of the EWSS will be maintained until 31 March 2021.This decision is aligned with the retention of the current pay-related rates of payment for the PUP until 31 March 2021.Such alignment is considered essential in that, in the absence of same, there is a risk of migration of employees from EWSS to PUP during the current Level 5 restrictions, thus undermining the purpose of the EWSS.To the maximum extent possible the objective is to maintain a position where as many employees as possible currently on EWSS retain their link with their employer rather than migrate to the PUP and lose their connection with an employer.Recent trends on the EWSS would also indicate that it plays an important role in getting people back work as public health restrictions are eased, thereby reducing the numbers dependent on the PUP.Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provides that, as Minister for Finance, I may vary certain aspect of the scheme by Ministerial Order.The aspects of the scheme that may be amended in this way relate to:<ul><li>the end date of the measure, which may be extended to a date no later than 30 June 2021;</li><li>the rate of subsidy that may apply and the applicable employee income thresholds that such rates would apply to; and</li><li>the criteria of the turnover test that determines qualifying employers.</li></ul>The exercise of this power is subject to specified conditions and the legislation sets out a number of steps to be taken before an Order varying the scheme can be validly made:<ul><li>As Minister for Finance, I have a duty to monitor the EWSS and have regular assessment carried out to determine whether it is necessary to adjust the level of certain elements of the scheme. This would be to ensure the objectives of providing the necessary stimulus to the economy are fulfilled so as to mitigate the effects on the economy of Covid-19, or to facilitate the furtherance of any of the purposes specified in section 28A(3) of that Act, which includes efficient use of Exchequer resources and protection of the public finances.</li><li>Following completion of such an assessment, if the view is formed, having consulted with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Public Expenditure, as Minister for Finance I am empowered to amend such elements by way of secondary legislation.</li><li>Such an Order shall not be made unless a draft has to be laid before Dáil Éireann and a resolution approving the draft has to be passed by the House.</li></ul>I can therefore confirm that I intend to exercise the powers conferred by Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and that the following steps have been taken to comply with the legislation:<ul><li>Regular assessments have been carried out noting the utilisation of the EWSS, the continued challenges for the Irish economy arising from the covid-19 pandemic and the Exchequer cost.</li><li>I have formally consulted with his colleagues the Ministers for Social protection and Public Expenditure and Reform and have determined that it is necessary that the current EWSS rates remain in place until 31 March 2021.</li><li>The estimated cost of the extension of the enhanced rates is €38m per week, to be met from the voted expenditure of the Department of Social Protection, noting that this additional cost is considered a subset of the overall cost estimate of the impact of the latest public health restrictions.</li><li>The draft Regulations entitled Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (Covid-19: employment wage subsidy scheme) (Date Adjustment) Order 2021 were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 22 January 2021.</li></ul>The resolution before the House approves this Order and I commend it to the House.I will conclude by noting that the operation of the EWSS and its effectiveness continues to be kept under close review and, while there are no plans to re-visit the core eligibility criteria for the EWSS at this time, the Government’s position is that there will be no cliff-edge to the EWSS.In that regard it is noted that the legislation implementing the measure provides that it will be in place until 31 March 2021, but also provides that the scheme may be extended until the end of June 2021 if required and subject to the same procedural conditions set out above.It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible.Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.Source :<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/speech/52396-dail-motion-re-employment-wage-subsidy-scheme-minister-for-finance-paschal-donohoe-td/"> HERE </a>

Gov extends subsidy rates for the EWSS 

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD and Minister for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD have today marked an important milestone as the number of women apprentices surpasses 1,000.This was confirmed by SOLAS as Zoe Fitzgerald started a two-year, Accounting Technician Apprenticeship with Cork County Council.Speaking today Minister Harris said:<blockquote>&quot;Five years ago, there were as few as 26 female apprentices. Today, we are marking 1,000 female apprentices.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;This is an important milestone for celebration. There is still much to be done and one of my key goals as Minister is to improve the number of people in apprenticeship, increase diversity and improve the gender balance.&quot;</blockquote>Minister Collins added:<blockquote>&quot;This is an important achievement. We are currently finalising our Action Plan on Apprenticeships, which will outline our ambition in this area.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;The Programme for Government commits to increasing the number of apprenticeships to 10,000 every year and we must do more to increase diversity in this area.&quot;</blockquote>The number of apprenticeship programmes has expanded greatly in recent years with almost 60 different types of apprenticeship now available across a range of sectors including Electrical, Finance, ICT, BioPharma, Recruitment and Property Services.In July 2020, Minister Harris launched a €3,000 financial incentive for employers to take on apprentices which is available to all employers who take on apprentices on all national apprenticeship programmes. 1,358 employers have availed of the Scheme.For more information, check <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/f205a-the-right-course/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/therightcourse/">The Right Course.</a>

Women Apprentices Surpasses 1,000

<h2>Fantastic news as companies are still hiring right across the county. Thousands of jobs on offer - check them out here;</h2>SodexoSodexo are hiring and right now need Cleaning Operatives for Weekend and Nights in Naas, Co. Kildare. Check them out <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/60015b897d834e001dc499fb">here.</a>   Alps (Electric) IrelandAlps (Electric) Ireland based in Millstreet, County Cork are looking for General Operatives. Extensive training will be provided. Full details available <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6008410398bafe001d75e38c">here.</a> GlebeGlebe Builders, one of the leading construction companies in the North West of Ireland are hiring for a number of projects that are in operation nationwide. Right now they are seeking an experienced Site Manager for the Donegal &amp; Sligo area. Read more about this vacancy <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/600854a398bafe001d75e3aa">here. </a>Credit UnionA south city Credit Union in Dublin seeks to recruit a FINANCIAL CONTROLLER who will report to the CEO and assist with the management of a Credit Union with assets in excess of €60m. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/60071e049a6367001dcd0c3b">here. </a> Oscars FarmThe all natural Irish Dog food brand Oscars Farm is looking for dogs to become food critics and taste testers for their new recipes. Get your pet a job <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6007108e9a6367001dcd0c2b">here.</a>Langs GarageLangs Garage in Carrigallen, County Leitrim are seeking a Fully Qualified Mechanic for their busy servicing and repairs center. See the job <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6006f1582aa341001d0e68d8">here</a>. TCB IrelandA Charity / Not for Profit Sector organisation based in Dublin North require an experienced Financial Accountant to step into a key management role to help the organisation to sustain and develop its work in Ireland. Read the full details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6006d7182aa341001d0e68cb">here. </a> Kayla’s KitchenKayla&#39;s Kitchen, a fast growing producer of quality frozen ready-meals are seeking a Cold Storage Operative and General Kitchen Operative – more details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=kaylas">here.</a> Comfort KeepersComfort Keepers are hiring and right now are looking for Healthcare Assistants to join Ireland’s award-winning and leading care team in Roscommon and Kildare. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=comfort+keepers">here.</a> Directory GuysDue to continuing expansion, TDG are looking to recruit a number of experienced Sales Reps/Customer Service Agents for their location in Uxbridge, West London. There’s fantastic career progression with the potential to work and travel overseas to any of our other 3 offices (Canada, Australia, New Zealand) Read about the roles <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6001b834a1f0eb001d404185">here.</a> Laragan FarmsLaragan’s Farm require a Farm Labourer / Stock Person for a modern Pig Farm in Roscommon. If you fancy this opportunity click <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6001a43fa1f0eb001d404163">here.</a>Martin Ryan &amp; SonsOne of the largest container transport companies in Ireland have an opening for a Senior Transport Planner to coordinate their vehicles in Ireland. This role will be based out of the head office in Cappamore, Limerick. Check it out <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6001a082a1f0eb001d40415f">here. </a> Slieve Foy tool &amp; DieThe precision engineering company who specialise in the manufacturing of spare parts for the medical devices industry are recruiting for the roles of Machine Operator and Qualified Toolmaker &amp; Apprentice Toolmaker. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=slieve+foy+tools&amp;location=louth">here. </a>  MC Upholstery Mc Upholstery in County Monaghan are looking for a Full-time Sewing Machinist to join their busy team in Scotstown. For more information check out <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6007089a2aa341001d0e6900">here. </a> Nationwide Road MarkingsBased in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Nationwide Road Markings are now seeking an experienced Road Marking Operative / Lead hand. More details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/6008446998bafe001d75e390">here.</a> CareerwiseCareerwise are seeking Production Operators for an an expanding Medical Device company based in Oranmore, County Galway. See the full details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/600953c498bafe001d75e45a">here.</a>Zipp MobilityDublin-based e-scooter start-up Zipp Mobility has announced its plans to hire at least 30 people – keep an eye out for upcoming vacancies on their website <a href="https://zippmobility.com/">here.</a> ZoomZoom is hiring for remote working vacancies – check them out <a href="https://zoom.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Zoom/1/refreshFacet/318c8bb6f553100021d223d9780d30be">here. </a>ZalandoE-commerce company Zalando is hiring at their tech hub in Dublin, some of the vacancies on offer are in product management, software engineering and data engineering – see them <a href="https://jobs.zalando.com/en/tech/jobs/?gh_src=gk03hq&amp;filters%5Boffices%5D%5B0%5D=Dublin%20%28Ireland%29&amp;filters%5Bcategories%5D%5B0%5D=Technology%20%26%20UX%2FUI%20Design&amp;filters%5Bcategories%5D%5B1%5D=Product%20Design%20%26%20User%20Research&amp;filters%5Bcategories%5D%5B2%5D=Applied%20Science&amp;filters%5Bcategories%5D%5B3%5D=Software%20Engineering&amp;filters%5Bcategories%5D%5B4%5D=Product%20Management%20%28Technology%29">here. </a>  WixWix, a platform that allows users to create their own websites, has a customer care support centre in Dublin. Its currently looking for German and French speakers – check out their roles <a href="https://www.wix.com/jobs/locations/dublin">here.</a> WorkhumanSocial-recognition software company Workhuman has openings in their Dublin office for a product owner, product designer and data and software engineers – see the full details <a href="https://workhuman.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/WorkhumanCareers">here.</a> ViasatIn-flight software developer Viasat are recruiting for their Dublin office. Check out their roles <a href="https://careers.viasat.com/careers/SearchJobs/?5924=%5B136275%2C136274%5D&amp;5924_format=4692&amp;listFilterMode=1">here.</a> ShopifyShopify is planning to recruit 2,000 engineers globally this year which is good news for the base in Ireland. They’ve a number of vacancies available now and they also have roles available for remote working. Read more <a href="https://www.shopify.com/careers/search?locations%5B%5D=Ireland&amp;keywords=&amp;sort=team_asc">here.</a> Verizon MediaVerizon Media with offices based in North Wall, Dublin, a division of Verizon Communications focused on media and online business is hiring for software engineering positions – see the full details <a href="https://www.verizonmedia.com/careers/search.html">here.</a> PatreonPatreon, a subscription-management platform for creators and artists, is growing its Dublin team and has vacancies spanning site reliability engineering, localisation management, data science and other fields – see all their listings <a href="https://boards.greenhouse.io/patreon">here.</a> PayPalWith offices in Dublin and Dundalk are seeking sales representatives, internal controls managers, compliance analysts, security managers and rule engineers, among other roles – check them out <a href="https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/jobs/locations/ireland">here.</a> PwCPwC with offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford are looking for new hires across advanced analytics, tax management, solutions architecture and more. See the roles <a href="https://www.pwc.ie/careers-ie/experienced-jobs/results.html?wdcountry=IRL&amp;wdjobsite=Global_Experienced_Careers">here.</a> MedalliaFeedback software provider Medallia announced that it will establish a new hub in Ireland, creating 100 jobs. The company will hire multilingual sales and support staff over the next two years, and is currently recruiting in Dublin across HR and sales – see their job listings <a href="https://jobs.medallia.com/">here.</a> MSDPharma company MSD has roles available in Carlow, Tipperary, Meath and Dublin roles vary between procurement, quality assurance, automation engineering and many more. See their listings <a href="https://jobs.msd.com/gb/en/ireland-job-search">here.</a> LogitechComputer product manufacturer Logitech has lots of opportunities based in Cork. Its current openings include quality analysts, supply managers and mechanical design engineers – check them out <a href="https://jobs.jobvite.com/logitech/search?r=Ireland&amp;c=&amp;s=&amp;q=">here.</a> MastercardMastercard announced a major expansion at its Dublin base last year and is continuing to hire for software engineering, application frameworks, BizOps and programme management roles, see the details <a href="https://mastercard.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CorporateCareers/1/refreshFacet/318c8bb6f553100021d223d9780d30be">here.</a> LetsGetCheckedLetsGetChecked, Dublin currently has an opening for a customer solutions executive. The company said at the end of last year that it would be looking for 160 new recruits to join its Dublin team so they will have lots of opportunities listed in 2021 for sure – keep an eye out <a href="https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/LetsGetChecked">here.</a> Liberty ITSoftware firm Liberty IT has vacancies in Belfast and Dublin and also remote working roles. Right now they’re seeking principal software engineers, product owners, delivery leads and more. For more information check out this <a href="https://www.liberty-it.co.uk/current-vacancies/">link.</a> IntelIntel has a wide range of openings at its Leixlip base. The vacancies span across the following type of roles; big data engineering, system engineering, mechanical engineering, product development, design and they also have graduate opportunites – see all their jobs <a href="https://jobs.jnj.com/jobs?page=1&amp;keywords=ireland&amp;location=&amp;limit=100">here.</a> Johnson &amp; JohnsonJohnson &amp; Johnson is looking for recruits in Limerick, Galway, Cork and other locations. Vacancies range from analytics managers and visualisation managers, to roles in microbiology and quality control – see jobs as they go live <a href="https://jobs.jnj.com/jobs?page=1&amp;keywords=ireland&amp;location=&amp;limit=100">here.</a> HRLockerHRLocker who are based in Lahinch are hiring for remote positions across software development, testing and product support – roles are listed <a href="https://www.hrlocker.com/hr-software/our-story/careers/">here.</a> Indigo Telecom / 4SiteLimerick and the mid-west are in for a jobs boost this year as Indigo Telecom Group will be hiring at its Irish subsidiary 4Site. The positions, spanning fibre planning, design engineering, project management and more, will be filled over the next three years. Right now their recruiting for a HR Manager role that will be based in Limerick – check it out <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/hr-manager-4site">here.</a> GlantusGlantus, an Irish financial software firm, that’s expanding into Northern Ireland with a Newry hub will be hiring soon for that base, right now they are seeking applications for an entry level role with excellent progression opportunities for the role of inside sales representative in its Dublin headquarters down at Eastpoint, Dublin 3. Read the full job spec <a href="https://genesys.referrals.selectminds.com/page/galway-jobs-191">here.</a><h2> </h2>GenesysAI and cloud technology company Genesys based in Galway have announced 100 new jobs, they’ll also have some remote roles. At the moment, it is looking for software and support engineers, security analysts, compliance specialists and more. Check out their listings <a href="https://genesys.referrals.selectminds.com/page/galway-jobs-191">here.</a><h2> </h2>Genuity Science Dublin based company Genuity Science are currently seeking candidates for IT roles such as Software Developer and IT Infrastructure, check them out <a href="https://genuitysci.com/careers-and-benefits/#new-careers">here.</a><h2></h2>ErgoDublin IT firm Ergo recently announced a multimillion-euro investment and their currently hiring for many roles in IT engineering and for developers. Current listings can be found <a href="https://www.ergogroup.ie/services/it-resourcing/latest-jobs">here.</a><h2> </h2>EssentialSkillzBased in Galway EssentialSkillz are currently hiring for PHP developers, software engineers and testers, among other roles. See openings <a href="https://www.essentialskillz.com/careers">here.</a> EYEY has some great vacancies, right now they have roles in recruitment, graphic design, website editing, supply chain management, technology consulting, business analysis and more. Check out the roles based in Harcourt, Dublin <a href="https://ey.taleo.net/careersection/gexp01_uk/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en&amp;radiusType=K&amp;location=20440131673&amp;searchExpanded=true&amp;radius=1">here.</a> Dun &amp; BradstreetDun &amp; Bradstreet has a number of vacancies in Dublin, they include roles such as Administrator, data and software engineering. Read more. About these roles <a href="https://dnb.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/1/refreshFacet/318c8bb6f553100021d223d9780d30be">here,</a> CarTrawlerCarTrawler, the B2B travel technology company, has teams in Dundrum and New York. Its Dublin office is hiring for roles such as; insights analyst, a product manager, a Java software engineer and more – check out this <a href="https://www.cartrawler.com/ct/careers/">link</a> for more information. CitiFinancial services giant Citi based in Dublin have over 80 roles open for opportunities such as data stewards, business analysts, risk managers and strategists. More information on the roles available <a href="https://jobs.citi.com/search-jobs/Dublin/Dublin%2C%20Leinster/287-34934/1/4/2963597-7521314-7778677-2964574/53x33306/-6x24889/50/2">here.</a><h2> </h2>Bristol Myers SquibbBristol Myers Squibb has plenty of opportunities right now in Tipperary. Current vacancies span across microbiology, manufacturing, engineering, data analytics and more, check them out <a href="https://careers.bms.com/jobs?stretchUnits=MILES&amp;stretch=10&amp;location=Ireland&amp;lat=53&amp;lng=-8&amp;woe=12">here.</a> AonAon have some job openings at the moment across its Shannon and Dublin bases. It’s looking for an accountant which is remote working at the moment, a senior data analyst, senior scrum master and an investment consultant, among others. Check out their job openings <a href="https://jobs.aon.com/jobs?location=Ireland&amp;woe=12&amp;stretchUnit=MILES&amp;stretch=10&amp;page=1">here.</a> AmgenBased in Dún Laoghaire, Amgen has a lot of nice roles available right now and no doubt will be recruiting right throughout 2021. They have a job listed for a Warehouse Technician, the role involves performing all warehouse and dispensary related processes. Other roles include opportunities in quality control, packaging engineering, safety management and more. Find out more <a href="https://careers.amgen.com/career-search/?location=IE%2C%20Dublin%2C%20Dublin">here.</a> AccentureProfessional services firm Accenture has a huge variety of open roles open in areas such as; sales, social media and data management, software engineering, project management, cyber security and business intelligence. Based in Dublin Accenture also offer graduate opportunities around September each year. Some of their roles require language skills but there are also some roles where only English is required. Check out more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=accenture">here.</a>Best of Luck from the JobAlert.ie Team if you&#39;re on the Job Hunt at the moment.For more Roles <a href="www.jobalert.ie">CLICK HERE</a>

eCollege courses are temporarily being made available free of charge as an additional support to those impacted by COVID-19 public health measures. The courses may benefit those already doing a course who would like to augment their learning, those who have recently become unemployed or had their hours reduced, and those wishing to upskill or reskill.The courses are designed to give a flexible response to the specific skills needs of people who need training with certification to assist them to re-enter or upskill in the labour market.<h2>eCollege</h2>eCollege is a Government-funded online training facility that provides a range of high quality interactive online learning courses, available any time through broadband Internet access, for those who wish to learn at their own pace.eCollege is a leading learning platform that delivers online training courses in:• business• project management• information technology• graphic design• web design• digital marketing• software development• basic computer literacy <h2>Eligibility criteria</h2>eCollege courses are currently free of charge to anyone over 18 who wishes to do a course. If you are not sure what to expect from an eCollege course, you can do a short starter course.<h2>How to apply</h2>You can apply for a course via the eCollege website <a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/">HERE</a>

Free On-Line Courses

Irish micromobility start-up Zipp Mobility said it will create at least 30 additional jobs in the coming year in Ireland as it prepares to launch e-scooter services throughout the country. The company already has a fleet of 450 e-scooters in Britain and is waiting legislation to be passed in Ireland on use of electric scooters here.Once legislation governing the use of electric scooters has been passed in the Republic, the company will look at rolling out services here.Founded in 2019 by Charlie Gleeson, the NovaUCD headquartered company has great plans ahead. Speaking about their success Mr. Gleeson said;“This last year has been a very successful one for the company and we are currently operating in more UK locations than some of the bigger industry players which is a great achievement for a young Irish start-up such as Zipp.” “With new e-scooter legislation set to be passed in Ireland early this year our plan for 2021 includes completing a Series A funding round and launching our service across the country creating at least 30 new jobs in the process.”Restrictions on public transport during the coronavirus pandemic have led commuters to seek out other forms of transport. However, electric scooters have yet to be officially sanctioned for use on Irish roads, although legislation has been promised for some time.<h4>Shared scheme</h4>The micromobility company has four additional launches lined-up for the coming months, including what it said will be the first public shared e-scooter scheme on the island of Ireland.The company raised €500,000 in an angel investor funding round in September, with former Irish rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll among the investors backing the fledgling company. The money, which brought the company’s total funding to more than €1 million to date, was to be used for the company’s planned launch in the UK.“Our overall vision for Zipp is ‘mobility done right’ and our aim for the year ahead is to lead the Irish e-scooter-sharing market and expand our operations internationally,” Mr Gleeson said.<h1>Find out more about Zipp Mobility <a href="https://zippmobility.com/">HERE</a></h1><h1>As soon as the jobs are officially listed we will share that information asap, so watch this space!</h1>

Zipp Mobility to hire 30 as it rolls out e-scooter services

Are you a jobseeker looking for a career in Healthcare in Ireland? The Department of Social Protection and EURES Ireland are teaming up with the Health Service Executive, Nursing Home Ireland and Home and Community Care Ireland to recruit workers for the healthcare sector across Ireland.SO FAR - 55+ Companies Registered, 620+ Positions on OfferDATE OF EVENT: THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 2021 FROM 10:00 UTC-15:00 UTCNever before have we become so aware of the importance of healthcare workers in caring for people in their own homes, in nursing homes and healthcare facilities around Ireland.  The demand for healthcare professionals over the coming months will be significant, as we continue to deal with the demands arising from Covid-19. You are invited to apply for these opportunities by attending ‘Healthcare Recruitment in Ireland’ online event.<ol><li>Find and apply for jobs In advance of the event you will be able to search and apply for jobs that match your profile, make contact with employers and book one or more job interviews.</li></ol> <ol><li>Step by step to succeed On 28th January 2021 you can join the event online and virtually attend a programme of interesting presentations by excellent Irish healthcare providers and EURES Advisors.</li></ol> <ol><li>Chat online with EURES advisors and employers.</li></ol>In order to participate online, you need to register for the event in advance. Registration HERE Save the date and join us online on 28th January 2021EURES Ireland eures@welfare.ieYou can follow EURES Ireland social media for updates on jobs and employers attending this event: ​<a href="www.facebook.com/euresireland">www.facebook.com/euresireland</a>    <a href="www.twitter.com/euresireland">www.twitter.com/euresireland</a>   <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/eures-ireland/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/eures-ireland/</a>

ON-LINE EVENT:  55 Companies Recruiting, 620 Positions on Offer

** Job Vacancy being re-advertised**It’s that time of year again!Billy O’Connor and his partner Alice Hayes, who own three cottages and a coffee shop on the Great Blasket Island are to post a vacancy this week. They are looking for candidates to manage the Accommodation and Coffee Shop.Speaking about the opportunity Mr. O&#39;Connor said; “We’ve decided to add some job criteria as last year when we started to receive applications it took us a month just to get through them,” Mr O’Connor said. “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people want to come here, but many didn’t realise what the living conditions are like.”He added that with the travel restrictions, which are expected to be in place for months to come, he does not think as many interested couples or friends will apply.He said: “We would like a duo of friends or a couple from abroad to get the jobs eventually as they would have a different perspective to bring but with concerns around Covid-19 that will limit foreign applications, I would think. But maybe they would feel safer on the island as it is very remote.”About The Great Blasket IslandLocation of the Great Blasket IslandThe Great Blasket Island – the most westerly point in Europe – is the largest Island of a group of islands located 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula 13 kilometers west of Dingle town.Occupied from pre-history, the island overlooks the location where a number of the Spanish Armada ships were wrecked. The small farming and fishing community exceeded a population of 150 in the early 20th century, but had dwindled to a small number when the island was vacated in 1953. The old village above the Trá Bán (White Strand) is situated on the north-eastern side of the island, facing the mainland and Slea HeadIsland WildlifeThe island has an abundance of walks on both a green road and mountain tracks. There is attractive flora and fauna, pre-historic remains, abundant sea-life and extensive bird life.In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities provided for visitors to the island.HOW TO APPLYKeep checking in as the application process will be opening on-line in the next few days.Please share if you know of anyone interested.

Caretakers Required Great Blasket Island

A new application service is available to apply for a PPS number at <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie">www.MyWelfare.ie</a> for people living in Ireland who are at least 18 years of age and need a PPS Number to avail of social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. To apply for a PPS Number online, a person will need to have a basic <a href="https://www.mygovid.ie/">MyGovID</a> account.In the interests of the public health advice and observing social distancing people are asked, if possible, not to attend their local Intreo Centre. Instead, they should avail of the online services available through <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie">www.MyWelfare.ie.</a>

New On-line Service to Apply for PPS Numbers

Self-employed people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) who are looking to maintain their business can earn up to €960 over an eight week period, while retaining their full PUP entitlement.There is no formal application process and a self-employed person simply needs to inform the Department if they earn over €960 in any eight week period.This was confirmed in a Government publication today which showed that 398,000 people received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week and the number of people in receipt of Enhanced Illness Benefit grew fourfold to over 6,400.The quickest and easiest way to apply for PUP and Enhanced Illness Benefit is online at www.MyWelfare.ieThe number of people receiving a PUP payment this week represents an increase of 62,607 (18.7%) on the 335,599 people paid last week.These figures are in addition to the 189,860 people who were reported on the Live Register as of the end of December.The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service activities (106,387). This is followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (65,300) and Administrative and Support Service Activities (34,459).The sector that has seen the highest increase in people receiving PUP this week is Wholesale and Retail. Some 65,300 people working in this sector will receive payment tomorrow, compared to 46,853 last week.This is followed by the Construction sector which has seen an increase in PUP recipients from 23,080 last week compared to 32,151 this week. The number of people in this sector in receipt of PUP is expected to increase further next week following the imposing of restrictions that took effect last Friday evening.Speaking today on the latest PUP figures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said:“This week’s figures show that just short of 400,000 are now in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.“These statistics outline the stark impact the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to have on the Labour Market.“The decisions taken by the Government to impose increased restrictions on sectors such as construction, retail and education were not taken lightly.“But these decisions are necessary in order to protect lives, livelihoods and our frontline workers. Minister Humphreys continued:“It is essential that every individual and family follows the health guidelines if we are to suppress the virus. Now more than ever, we need to stay at home as much as possible, limit our contacts, maintain our social distance and wash our hands. The more we comply with the guidelines, the sooner we can begin to re-open the economy.“PUP remains available to anyone who is eligible. I want to remind people again that the quickest and easiest way to apply is via www.mywelfare.ie.“I would also strongly advise businesses to consider availing of the Employment Wage Subsidy scheme and the Covid Restrictions Support scheme – administered by Revenue - during the current restrictions. These are designed to protect businesses and seek to maintain the important link between businesses and their employees during these extremely difficult times.”Control MeasuresThe Department conducts a series of pre and post payment checks on all PUP claims. Subject to these checks being cleared the Department then processes payments based on the clients’ self-declaration.Subsequently, the Department runs post payment checks that includes verifying data against Revenue records, examining cases where the same Bank account is used multiple times, examining cases where an employer or members of the public report concerns, and the use of data analytics to identify and check claims. We also undertake employer inspections.This work is undertaken by the Department’s Special Investigation Unit, which, for the past six years, includes over 20 Gardaí on secondment to the Department.Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit PaymentSince last March, some 105,372 people under the age of 66 have been medically certified for receipt of the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit. Of these, 11.5% have been diagnosed with Covid-19 while the remainder have been required to medically self-isolate.7,308 of these people were first medically certified last month and of these 1,629 have been certified with having the Covid-19 virus.The number of people medically certified to receive the Enhanced Illness Benefit has increased in every county since last week with Dublin showing the highest increase of 2,007.There has also been an increase in the number of people in every sector medically certified to receive Enhanced Illness Benefit.The two sectors with the highest number of employees medically certified to receive this payment are Wholesale and Retail (22,642) and Human Health and Social Work Activities (18,595).Today, some 6,412 people are currently in receipt of an Enhanced Illness Benefit payment – up from 1,661 compared to this day last week.  Minister Humphreys commented:“The significant increase in the number of people receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit is another demonstration of the increased presence of the virus in our communities.“The increase of people in receipt of the Enhanced Illness Benefit certainly coincides with the increase in virus numbers.“This is further evidence of the need for us all to take the current situation very seriously and adhere to all public health guidance to help suppress the virus.”

News