<h1></h1><h2>Important Information Notice</h2>Published: 26 March 2020From: Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection<h2>Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme</h2>The <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/" target="_blank">Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme</a> is a new scheme introduced to help employers retain workers on their payrolls during a period of reduced trading or temporary lay-off related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This new subsidy will cover 70% the net salary of workers, up to a maximum of €410 per week. Many employers will ‘top-up’ this salary to pay their workers as close as possible to their normal full wage. If you are self-employed you should apply for the <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank">COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. </a>Is the scheme open to directors?If directors are paid through the payroll system and are included in the relevant payroll submissions for an eligible employer, then they are eligible to receive the wage subsidy.For more information and to apply for the <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/" target="_blank">Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme</a> <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/" target="_blank">click here.</a><h2>COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</h2>The <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank">Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment </a>is an emergency payment of €350 per week introduced by the Government for a 12 week period and intended to compensate those workers whose employers cannot retain them on their payroll. The payment will also be made to people who are self-employed but whose trade has temporarily ceased.Do not claim the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if your employer has not laid you off or if you were not previously in employment or if you are still in receipt of employment income, or if your employer takes you back onto their payroll.If you think you inadvertently applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, or if your employer has re-employed you under the new Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, you must close your Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment claim now. Claims can be closed via the Department’s online portal at <a href="https://www.mywelfare.ie/" target="_blank">MyWelfare.ie</a> under the Covid-19 payment section.You are eligible to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if…<ul><li>You were in employment or self-employment immediately before Friday 13 March</li></ul>and<ul><li>You have been temporarily laid-off from work or asked to stay at home from work</li></ul>and<ul><li>Your employer is not in a position to retain you on their payroll</li></ul>and<ul><li>You are not in receipt of any employment income.</li></ul>You are not eligible to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if…<ul><li>You were not in employment immediately before Friday 13 March</li></ul>or<ul><li>You were not laid-off from work by your employer</li></ul>or<ul><li>You are continuing to receive income from your employment</li></ul>or<ul><li>You voluntarily left your employment.</li></ul>The payment also applies to:<ul><li>non EU/EEA workers who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic</li><li>students (and non-EU/EEA students) who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic</li><li>part-time workers</li></ul>The Department will review all claims. It is engaging with Revenue Commissioners to identify those workers not eligible to avail of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and will take steps to recover any incorrect payment. Any person who knowingly claims the payment in circumstances where they are not entitled to the payment will be prosecuted.The co-operation of the public in ensuring that only correct claims are submitted is greatly appreciated. This ensures that we can process claims for people who really need the support as quickly as possible.For more information and to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank">click here.</a>Payment Update for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseeker ClaimsPublished: 26 March 2020From: Department of Employment Affairs and Social ProtectionThe Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has experienced unprecedented demand for income supports including the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseeker payments since 13 March.The level of demand equates to 10 months normal claim-load in just 10 working days.The department wishes to assure its customers that it is processing these claims as fast as possible and that staff have been working long hours, over weekends and the bank holiday to ensure that claims are processed as quickly as possible.The first COVID-19 related payments, for approximately 90% of claims received from 13 – 19 March were issued last Friday, 20 March and were in customer’s bank accounts on Tuesday, 24 March.Some payments did not go forward for various reasons. This is normal. For example some claims may not have met eligibility criteria. Other payments may have been held back due to an error with an IBAN number or an inconsistency between PPSNs. The department is working very hard to resolve these issues and is contacting the customers concerned directly.Again this week nearly all claims received since 19 March and up to close of business today (Thursday 26 March) will be processed for payment tomorrow, Friday and will be in customer&#x27;s bank accounts on Tuesday 31 March.The department is processing payments into Irish bank accounts and via the Post Office network only. We wish to reassure people that where they are entitled they will receive a payment from the department as soon as possible. Should there be any issues with individual payments the department will contact the claimants directly.<h2>COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit</h2>If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are medically certified to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19, you can apply for <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/" target="_blank">Illness Benefit for COVID-19</a> absences which is higher than the standard rate. <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/" target="_blank">You can apply for this whether you are an employee or if you are self-employed.</a>If you are a worker affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) there are various payments that you can claim from the department.As well as this, you do not need to sign on or attend back to work courses for as long as the Coronavirus pandemic lasts. Weekly dockets must still be signed, however.<h2>Helpful Information</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6f81e1-people-who-are-diagnosed-with-covid-19/" target="_blank">What to do if you are diagnosed with COVID-19</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b8135c-people-who-are-not-diagnosed-with-covid-19-but-who-self-isolate/" target="_blank">What to do if you are not diagnosed with COVID-19 but have been told by a doctor to self-isolate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/00964f-people-who-are-laid-off-temporarily-or-put-on-to-short-time-working/" target="_blank">What to do if you are laid off temporarily or put on to short-time working</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a75c73-what-to-do-if-you-are-a-student-who-has-lost-your-job-because-of-cor/" target="_blank">What to do if you are a student who has lost your job because of Coronavirus</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5cc237-what-to-do-if-youre-a-casual-worker-on-xs-and-os-during-coronavirus/" target="_blank">What to do if you&#x27;re a casual worker on Xs and Os during Coronavirus</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9c3318-what-to-do-if-you-are-receiving-your-social-welfare-payment-into-the/" target="_blank">What to do if you are receiving your social welfare payment into the Post Office</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/8ace3a-change-amend-your-bank-details/" target="_blank">How to get a social welfare payment into your bank</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8102d2-new-social-welfare-payment-details/" target="_blank">Temporary Social Welfare payment arrangement</a></li></ul>

Important updates on Emergency Payment, Wage Subsidy Scheme & Payment Dates

Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced that student nurses will be paid for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. In a statement this evening, the minister said student nurses and midwives will be offered a contract as a Healthcare Assistant and be paid for their work. He said this will allow students to complete their placement and continue to complete the course. Student nurses are being asked to apply online through <a href="https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/oncall/" target="_blank">HSE.ie/oncall</a>. The minister said: &quot;This is an offer and not an obligation. But I know so many of our student nurses want to play their role as we navigate our way through these difficult times. &quot;Our healthcare professionals have shown immense leadership and I will do everything I can to support them.&quot; He paid tribute to nurses working in hospitals saying they had shown immense leadership in these difficult times and said we need all hands on deck. Source: <a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0326/1126621-student-nurses/" target="_blank">RTE</a>

Student nurses to be paid for duration of Covid-19 pandemic

Published: 26 March 2020From: Department of Education and SkillsGovernment has today (Thursday 26 March 2020) issued schools with updated guidance to help them operate the School Meals Programme amid the extended COVID-19 restrictions.This will ensure that nutritious food gets to many thousands of young people who need it the most.All schools are closed until 19 April at the earliest as part of further restrictions to limit the spread of infection.The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs devised updated guidelines for the 1,580 schools and organisations in the programme as they set out to source and supply meals during the extended closures.Schools are allowed to maintain the service during the Easter holidays and are asked to consider providing weekly boxes of non-perishable, nutritious goods.Tusla Education Support Service will communicate with all Home School Community Liaison Coordinators and School Completion Programmes and ask staff in those services to liaise with principals where they work to ensure that children/families in need of the School Meals Programme are identified and supported.Schools have also been advised that if their current provider is unavailable to continue the service they can look at other options, such as a local charity in the community providing food or meals or sourcing supplies from an alternative provider or retailer.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

Schools to provide weekly boxes of nutritious food for 250,000 pupils

<h1></h1><h2>Minister Katherine Zappone announces measures to support Childcare Providers and Parents during COVID-19 closures</h2>Published: 25 March 2020From: Department of Children and Youth AffairsFollowing the announcement yesterday of sustainability measures in response to COVID-19 by the government, Minister Katherine Zappone has provided further details to support the Childcare sector.Outlining these measures, Minister Zappone said:“These measures will:<ul><li>help to ensure that the Childcare Sector is in a position to reopen after COVID-19</li><li>provide parents with a reassurance that they are not required to pay childcare fees during this COVID-19 crisis, while providing them with reassurance that they will maintain their childcare places</li><li>give Early Learning and Care Educators security</li><li>retain vital Early Learning and Care Educators in the sector.”</li></ul>The measures are as follows:<ul><li>Revenue will reimburse childcare employers by 70% of their pre COVID-19 staff costs</li><li>in addition, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will reimburse childcare employers by 30% of their pre COVID-19 staff costs</li><li>the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will pay a retention top-up designed to retain staff in the sector</li><li>the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will fund Childcare Providers with a proportion of staff costs during the closure period to assist with their ongoing costs where needed</li></ul>These emergency measures will apply for up to 12 weeks in line with the government’s announcement yesterday and reflect the unique challenges and demands facing the sector.They involve the re-purposing of funds already allocated to support the childcare sector.Childcare Providers will be required to sign a new COVID-19 Emergency Agreement.This will require providers to agree to a number of conditions that will include:<ul><li>not charging parents for childcare fees from this month onwards</li><li>assure parents that their children’s places are as secure as they can be post COVID-19</li><li>agree to ensure staff are paid at pre COVID-19 levels, with the benefit of the funding from Revenue and DCYA</li><li>take active steps to reinstate their staff that have already been laid off on the same terms as above (with staff reinstated on pre COVID-19 terms and conditions)</li><li>staff would use this time for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and other professional activities. Employers will use this time to catch up on administrative tasks and familiarise themselves further with the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and any other resources, including new resources which will be developed in the coming weeks</li><li>give consent to Revenue to provide evidence of staff costs to allow the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to process payments to providers</li></ul>State income is already in place for Childcare Providers until the end of this week.The Minister stressed that these are emergency measures that will apply for up to 12 weeks, in accordance with the government’s decisions in this area.The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will roll out these measures as quickly as possible.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

Childcare Workers to be Paid in Full

The government has today announced a National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme.This will provide financial support to Irish workers and companies affected by the crisis.In summary:<ul><li>a <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/" target="_blank">temporary wage subsidy of 70%</a><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/" target="_blank"> (More info and apply here from the 26th of March 2020) </a>of take home pay up to a maximum weekly tax free amount of €410 per week to help affected companies keep paying their employees. This is the equivalent of €500 per week before tax</li><li>workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank">COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</a> of €350 per week (an increase from €203)</li><li><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/" target="_blank">the COVID-19 illness payment </a>will also be increased to €350 per week</li><li>the self-employed will be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 directly from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (rather than the Revenue scheme)</li><li>enhanced protections for people facing difficulties with their mortgages, rent or utility bills</li></ul>It follows from a range of supports already in place to help business through the crisis.The government is taking these extraordinary measures to help ordinary Irish citizens and families during this period of great economic and social stress.These measures will be costly – with an initial estimated cost of €3.7 billion over a twelve week period.The government believes these costs are necessary to ensure social solidarity with workers and their families affected by the crisis.<h2>Income Support Scheme</h2>An eligible employer will be supported up to 70% of an employee’s take home income up to a maximum weekly tax free payment of €410 (that is, 70% of take home weekly income of €38,000 per anuum).The scheme will provide support on incomes up to €76,000 or twice average earnings. It will be capped at net €350 for incomes between €38,000 and €76,000.The employer is expected to make best efforts to maintain as close to 100% of normal income as possible for the subsidised period.Revenue will provide further guidance on operation of the scheme.There will be severe penalties for any abuse of the scheme.<h2>Eligibility for the Income Support Scheme</h2>Employers must self-declare to Revenue that they have experienced significant negative economic disruption due to COVID-19, with a minimum of 25% decline in turnover, and an inability to pay normal wages and other outgoings, in accordance with guidance to be issued by Revenue.This scheme is open to impacted employers in all sectors. This recognises the impact that COVID-19 is having across all parts of the economy.The employee must have been on the payroll in February 2020.<h2>Self-employed workers</h2>Self-employed who qualify will be paid the <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank">COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</a> of €350 rather than through the Revenue scheme. They will be eligible on a similar basis as the Revenue scheme for employees.<h2>How to apply</h2>Revenue and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will provide details to employers today on how to apply.<h2>Eligibility for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</h2>People who have already been approved for the<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/" target="_blank"> COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</a> will now get an increased payment of €350 per week (instead of €203) at their next payment date. Anyone else who loses their job due to the COVID-19 crisis can apply to the department for payment at the new rate.The COVID-19 illness payment will also be increased to €350 per week.Further details are available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.<h2>Duration of the Income Support Scheme</h2>The new Scheme will be in place for twelve weeks.<h2>Cost of the schemes</h2>It is estimated that these new measures will cost approximately €3.7 billion over the 12 week period.<h2>Exchequer affordability</h2>The full economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis is subject to considerable uncertainty but will clearly have a very significant negative impact on the Exchequer.However, these measures are necessary to provide support to workers, their families, and companies at a time of great economic and social stress.The State will be able to fund these measures, but it will generate additional debt which will need to be paid off in the future.Ireland is well placed to increase its borrowing activity in the coming years. This additional borrowing will take place against a backdrop of a strong improvement in Ireland’s debt position in recent years, which has been reflected in a solid trend of lower borrowing costs, strong demand for Irish sovereign debt among international investors over a protracted period and ratings upgrades by each of the major credit rating agencies.Our strategy in recent years of prefunding liabilities means we have already built up strong cash balances. At the end of February, we had €26 billion in cash effectively funding this year’s €19 billion of redemptions.<h2>Measures in place for renters</h2>The government is introducing legislation to prevent both the termination of residential tenancies and any rent increases for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.The banks have also said they will support buy-to-let bank customers with tenants affected by COVID-19 with an opportunity to seek a payment break of up to 3 months – so they can in turn offer forbearance to their tenants.Rent Supplement is also available as a short-term income support to those in the private rented sector who are experiencing difficulty paying their rent. In view of the difficulties created for many in the private rented sector who have lost significant employment income, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will use the full flexibility of the scheme to provide the necessary support.<h2>Measures in place for mortgage holders</h2>A series of measures to support people impacted by COVID-19 have been announced by the banking sector.These include:<ul><li>flexible arrangements, including a payment break for mortgages and other loans. Customers affected by COVID-19 must contact their bank to discuss the flexibility available to them, including the possibility of a payment break of up to 3 months. Non-bank mortgage lenders and credit servicing firms have also announced their support for this measure</li><li>support for buy-to-let bank customers with tenants affected by COVID-19 – customers with rental property in which the tenants are adversely impacted by COVID-19 will also be provided with flexibility including with an opportunity to seek a payment break of up to 3 months, which will allow them to exercise due levels of forbearance to their tenants</li><li>payment breaks as a result of COVID-19 will not affect credit records</li></ul><h2>Measures in place for people struggling with utility bills</h2>The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has issued a moratorium on disconnections of domestic customers for non-payment to the gas and electricity suppliers.The suppliers have arrangements in place for any domestic/residential customers in arrears which are overseen by CRU and have a number of emergency provisions to assist Pay As You Go customers.<h2>Supports for business</h2>In addition to the Scheme being announced today, the government has already announced a range of measures including:(i) financial supports, including a €200 million Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Working Capital scheme; a €200 million Rescue and Restructuring Scheme available through Enterprise Ireland for vulnerable but viable firms; the maximum loan available from Microfinance Ireland has been increased from €25,000 to €50,000 (these loans are now interest free with no repayments for 6 months); Local Enterprise Offices in every county will be providing vouchers from €2,500 up to €10,000; a Finance in Focus grant of €7,200 will be available to Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients.(ii) other supports including a First Responder support service through the Intreo Offices and development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in each region to provide tailored supports for affected businesses; the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Short Term Work Support Scheme.(iii) deferral of Business Rates: the government has agreed with local authorities that they should defer rates payments due from the most immediately affected businesses, primarily in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors, until the end of May.(iv) Taxation Measures to alleviate short-term difficulties: Revenue has also posted specific advice for businesses experiencing trading difficulties as a result of COVID-19 including information on tax returns, the application of late payment interest, debt enforcement, tax clearance and customs.These are the highlights:<ul><li>interest on late payments is suspended for January/February VAT and both February and March PAYE (Employers) liabilities</li><li>all debt enforcement activity is suspended until further notice</li><li>current tax clearance status will remain in place for all businesses over the coming months</li><li>the Relevant Contract Tax (RCT) rate review scheduled to take place this month (March) is suspended</li><li>critical pharmaceutical products and medicines will be given a Customs ‘green routing’ to facilitate uninterrupted importation and supply</li></ul>(v) Banking and Credit Measures: All the banks have announced that they will offer flexibility to their customers, and they may be able to provide payment holidays or emergency working capital facilities.The main non-bank lenders also confirmed their intention to also support the range of measures announced by the country’s main retail banks which is to be welcomed.A deferral of up to 3-months on loan repayments will be available to many businesses. In addition, the banks are adopting a customer-focussed approach to these businesses with a wide variety of tailored supports including extensions of credit lines, risk guarantees, and trade finance. These supports complement the range of government supports available through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.The Central bank has confirmed that it will allow banks to dip into their rainy-day capital reserves to keep lending flowing. It is anticipated that this move could free up considerable additional credit for households and businesses.A small but important change for many businesses is the limit for contactless credit card payments has been raised from €30 to €50.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

Govt announces National Covid-19 Income Support Scheme

The Government’s Covid-19 emergency support payment for people who have lost their job as a result of the pandemic will increase from €203 to €350, it was confirmed on Tuesday.It is understood that a Cabinet meeting approved the move this morning.Ministers also gave the go-ahead for a scheme which will see the Government pay 70 per cent of a workers’ salary - up to maximum of €410 per week - where the company agrees to continue paying the remainder of the salary. This is based on an average salary level of €38,000.The scheme will apply to companies hit by the virtual shutdown in economic activity across large parts of the economy because of the virus outbreak. Employers looking to participate in the income support scheme would have to prove a decrease in income of 25 per cent and that they have liquidity difficulties. It is estimated that this support scheme could cost up to €4 billion. This second element is similar to schemes announced recently by the Danish and UK governments. The measures are designed to try and offset the economic impact of the pandemic which has seen more than 140,000 people in the State lose their jobs.<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus-government-restricts-gatherings-to-four-people-closes-non-essential-shops-1.4210785" target="_blank"> Source: The Irish Times.</a>

COVID-19 LATEST: Emergency payment increase to €350 per week

Independent.ie have announced that the Coronavirus Unemployment Payment is set to rise to €350 per week and that the Government are to pay 70pc of retained workers&#x27; salaries.This news if officially confirmed later today will ease the pain for a lot of affected workers and business owners across the country.They also mention that in a significant new move the Government will also pay 70pc of employee wages up to €410 per week for businesses who are willing to meet the remainder of their staff’s weekly payment.MORE TO FOLLOW........

COVID-19 Payment set to rise to €350 and Gov to pay 70% of salaries

Medical device manufacturer Medtronic are set to more than double the number of staff in their Galway factory with the creation of 300 new jobs.The new roles are being created to increase the number of ventilators being manufactured to meet the demand being made by the COVID19 outbreak.Ireland is responsible for more than half of the worlds’ ventilator supply and Medtronic is one of the main manufacturers of this device.Jobs being created will be manufacturing based roles and new hires will join the current staff of 250 to increase the number of hours that the factory is running and to expand the capacity.<a href="https://www.manpower.ie/job/231576/production-operators-galway/?fbclid=IwAR2plAxoV5aveqtAao81A8Q_taZ06MxKEME2vmaoHuCt3owkjm5q5qywRzw" target="_blank">APPLY HERE.</a>

Medtronic Create 300 New Jobs in Galway

Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed that schools will not be reopening in the short term.He announced on GalwayBay FM that schools will not be opening on Monday and that more information is expected to be confirmed today or tomorrow regarding extensions of school closures.Regarding state exams, the minister said that he and his department &quot;really want to make those exams happen&quot;.He said they owed it to young people to &quot;see this through and try to have the exams this year&quot;.

Schools will not Re-Open on Monday

Lots of people are asking;What should they do if their place of employment is still open and they have Covid-19 Symptoms?What payment will they receive if they are layed off work or lose their job permanently and how &amp; where do they apply?<h2>ANSWERS;</h2>DO NOT GO TO WORK IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMSIf you have Covid-19 symptoms you should not attend work, contact your GP and self-isolate for 14 days. Be aware of the symptoms, they include;• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry• shortness of breath• breathing difficulties• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chillsOther symptoms are fatigue, headaches, sore throat, aches and pains. If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test. You can apply for Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences. The personal rate for this payment is €305, as compared with the normal Illness Benefit rate of €203.It will be paid for a maximum of 2 weeks where a person is self-isolating, but will be paid for the duration of a person&#x27;s absence from work if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We must stress that you cannot visit your doctor. You must contact them by phone. (Source; HSE.ie)Full details and more information available here; <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/" target="_blank">https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/</a> BUSINESS TEMPORARY CLOSURESIf your place of work has closed for business due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and your employer cannot pay you, you can apply for an emergency COVID-19 Unemployment Payment?The payment is available to all employees and the self-employed Full and Part-Time who have lost employment due to the pandemic. It is also available for Students who were working and lost pay.You will get a payment of €350 per week for up to 6 weeks (as applicable). Minister Regina Doherty has confirmed that they are currently working on revising this payment scheme, so more information will also be available in the coming days.MORE DETAILS &amp; TO APPLY GO HERE; <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/other-info-pages/covid-19/" target="_blank">https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/other-info-pages/covid-19/</a> PERMANENT BUSINESS CLOSURES &amp; PERMANENT UMEMPLOYMENTIf you are unemployed, as in your company has closed for good or your position has ceased to exist, you will need to apply for and be assessed for Jobseeker’s payment supports. It may also be possible to apply for the Emergency COVID-19 Unemployment Payment in the interim and we recommend you also apply for Unemployment Benefit as soon as possible. You  can apply for a Jobseeker&#x27;s Allowance/Benefit on <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie" target="_blank">www.MyWelfare.ie</a>There&#x27;s also a wealth of information being constantly updated <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/covid19_overview.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> on issues such as;<ul><li>Health Information</li><li>Employment and income supports</li><li>Mortgage, loans and rent</li><li>Housing</li><li>Utilities</li><li>Education</li><li>Travel</li><li>Older people</li></ul>STAY SAFE! COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

QUESTIONS RE; SICK LEAVE, TEMP & PERMANENT LAY OFF?

The Irish Government will introduce a significant financial package next week for those who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus-related disruption and others at risk of becoming unemployed, Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney said on (today) Sunday 22nd March.Other European countries like Britain and Denmark have moved to pay up to 80% of the wages of staff who have either lost or are at risk of losing income as a result of the pandemic&quot;.&quot;I want to reassure people that the government are going to introduce a significant and supportive economic package in the coming days that will go well beyond what we have announced to date,&quot; Coveney told national broadcaster RTE. &quot;That will treat everybody equally, so in other words we are not going to separate the people who have lost their jobs to date from the people who may lose their jobs next week.We want to do something that provides, if you like, a guaranteed level of income for everybody across the country.&quot;Ireland has so far introduced an emergency 203 euros a week payment for employees and self-employed people who have lost their jobs or had hours cut and the government has said it will refund the same amount to struggling firms who keep staff on. It said 58,000 people had already claimed the payment by Wednesday, just three days after its introduction following the closure of schools, childcare facilities and pubs.A huge number of restaurants and retailers followed suit voluntarily.Ireland is planning to ramp up coronavirus testing to cut a waiting list that stands at 40,000, over three times the number tested this week alone, Health Service Executive (HSE) operations chief Anne O&#x27;Connor told a news conference.With 41 test centres due to be in operation from Tuesday, including a naval ship anchored in Dublin&#x27;s River Liffey, the HSE plans to conduct 4,500 tests a day from Monday. It is distributing 40,000 test kits around the country and is close to finalising an order from China for 100,000 more.HSE chief executive Paul Reid added that the 50,000 people from all manner of professions who answered a recruitment call issued last week included 5,000 nurses and 1,000 doctors.&quot;This week is a huge week in the history of the healthcare system in Ireland,&quot; Reid said. &quot;We can save lives by our actions this week.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

Significant Income Support Announcements on the Way

Super Mom Mom, you&#x27;re a wonderful mother, So gentle, yet so strong. The many ways you show you care Always make me feel I belong. You&#x27;re patient when I&#x27;m foolish; You give guidance when I ask; It seems you can do most anything; You&#x27;re the master of every task. You&#x27;re a dependable source of comfort; You&#x27;re my cushion when I fall. You help in times of trouble; You support me whenever I call. I love you more than you know; You have my total respect. If I had my choice of mothers, You&#x27;d be the one I&#x27;d select! By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Mother's Day

Have a safe and Happy Mother&#x27;s Day everyone.Our Minister for Health Simon Harris, has urged people to find other ways to show their appreciation to their Mothers. while still observing social distancing. He also paid tribute to Mothers working in the health service and also those working in retail outlets who are making sure people could still access fresh food.

Happy Mother's Day - Share Love not Sickness

Written by John Boyne on the March 18th, 2020.To help foster creativity among Irish children and teenagers during this current crisis, I’m running a SHORT STORY COMPETITION, aimed at 6-18 year olds, with lots of book tokens to give out as prizes.There are 3 categories:<ul><li>6-10 year olds</li><li>11-14 year olds</li><li>15-18 year olds</li></ul>So this is the way it will work:<ul><li>3 categories, 6-10 year olds; 11-14 year olds; 15-18 year olds.</li><li>The total prize fund originally stood at €3,600, but thanks to the generosity of NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS, who offered to double the fund, it now stands at €7,200</li><li>Each category will have an overall winner who receives a €200 national book token. Each category will also have 10 winners of a €100 national book token and 16 winners of a €50 national book token and 20 winners of a €20 national book token</li><li>All stories to be submitted in WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT to: johnboynestory@gmail.com by Wednesday 25th March, 5 pm.</li><li>Please DO NOT send in pdf or Google Docs format. (If you already have, don’t worry, I’ve converted them, but it just adds to my workload! So WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT only!)</li><li>Stories must be no longer than 300 words.</li><li>Entrants need to include their name, email address, phone number, postal address and age, so I know which category they’re entering.</li><li>The Gutter Bookshop is supplying the book token cards and envelopes but the book tokens are national book tokens so can be used anywhere in Ireland.</li><li>All stories can potentially be shared over the radio on RTE’s Liveline by Joe Duffy.</li></ul>The judges are a who’s who of Irish writing!<ul><li>Alex Barclay, Anne Enright, Anne Griffin, Cecelia Ahern, Claire Kilroy, Dermot Bolger, Donal Ryan, Eoin Colfer, Helen Cullen, John Boyne, Kevin Power, Louise O’Neill, Paul Murray, Roddy Doyle, Sarah Webb, </li></ul><img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/update.jpg" alt="Update Jpg" style="max-width:calc(100% - 1.6rem);margin:1.6rem 0.8rem 2.4rem"/>Good luck!Original source: <a href="https://johnboyne.com/short-story-competition/" target="_blank">https://johnboyne.com/short-story-competition/</a>Keep up to date with progress of the competition on John Boyne&#x27;s Twitter page<a href="https://twitter.com/john_boyne" target="_blank"> here.</a>

Short Story Competition aimed at 6-18 years olds - Lots of Prizes to be won

<h2>The UK Government is to cover 80 per cent of workers&#x27; salaries up to £2,500. Interested in your thoughts. Is this a better solution than the weekly €203 Covid Pandemic Payment?</h2>Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the extraordinary measures today after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all pubs and restaurants, cafes and gyms to shut their doors tonight and not reopen.“Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages for people who are not working but kept on payroll rather than being laid off,” Sunak said.“Up to 80 per cent of wages [will be covered], or up to £2,500 a month. Employers can top up salaries further if they choose to.“That means workers in any part of the UK can retain their job even if their employer cannot afford to retain them.”Any British business, large or small, can apply for a wage bailout if it is struggling from the coronavirus fallout.Sunak said the government will back date the wage bailout to 1 March and keep it open for at least three months.<h2>‘No limit’ on wage bailout fund</h2>The chancellor added he would extend that timescale if necessary, and told businesses there was “no limit” on how much money the government will make available for the scheme.“We have never had a scheme like this in our country before and we are having to build our systems from scratch,” he added.However, HMRC is working to ensure the first grants are available within weeks, Sunak added. Businesses can apply for the relief from Monday.The chancellor repeated his call for firms affected by the UK coronavirus outbreak not to make people redundant in return for the huge wage bailout.“The economic intervention we are announcing today is unprecedented in the history of the British state,” he added. “I know people are worried about losing their jobs and not being able to pay the rent or mortgage about not having enough set by for food and bills.“To all those at home right now anxious bout the days ahead – you will not face this alone. But getting through this will require a collective national effort with a role for everyone to play. It’s on all of us.”Meanwhile, the Prime Minister reiterated his three-month target to flatten the curve of the UK coronavirus outbreak.Yesterday he had appeared to row back on his aim to have sent the virus “packing” by June.“We are going to do it with testing and new medicines and new technology that can see the disease as it’s transmitted,” Johnson said.“We’re going to defeat the disease with a huge national effort to slow the spread by reducing unnecessary social contact,” the PM added.“I know it’s been tough and inconvenient but these actions we are are all taking are taking the strain off the NHS.”It came as UK coronavirus deaths hit 184 and infections rose to 3,297.The NHS is under huge pressure to deal with the UK coronavirus crisis. And this afternoon London’s Northwick Park hospital announced a “critical incident” as it ran out of beds to treat Covid-19 patients.Further cash flow support through the tax system to help businesses pay people and keep them in work deferring next quarter of vat payments – no biz vat payments between now and June. Government defers VAT payments for UK businessesSunak also said he would postpone companies’ VAT payments until June, in business relief worth over £30bn. The chancellor said that was equivalent to 1.5 per cent of GDP.“I know it’s incredibly difficult out there. We in government are doing everything we can to support you. We are deferring over £30bn taxes to the end of the financial year,” he said.It comes after the Bank of England slashed UK interest rates to a historic low of 0.1 per cent yesterday. And it also announced £200bn of quantitative easing in a bid to battle the UK coronavirus outbreak.The government has already pledged £330bn in loans to keep businesses alive as people opt not to go out.Businesses welcome Rishi Sunak’s measuresDame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director-general, welcomed the intervention.She said: “This is a landmark package of measures for business, people and jobs. The chancellor’s offer of substantial payroll support, fast access to cash and tax deferral will support the livelihoods of millions. Firms and employees will respond with relief and determination.“It marks the start of the UK’s economic fightback – an unparalleled joint effort by enterprise and government to help our country emerge from this crisis with the minimum possible damage.  An important day for our country.” And Adam Marshall, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “The chancellor has given businesses desperately needed breathing room at this critical moment.“The deferral of VAT payments keeps money in the pockets of businesses so that they can pay their people and suppliers, and the commitment to cover wages of those unable to work will allow firms to retain jobs if they are forced to reduce their operations.“The government now needs to go foot-to-floor to ensure that details of the job retention scheme and loan guarantees reach firms on the ground as soon as possible. Given that this situation continues to evolve, ministers must also keep the door open to additional measures to support business cash flow.”<h2>What about the self-employed?</h2>But Bectu, a union representing freelancers, criticised Sunak for not including self-employed contractors in his relief.Head of Bectu,Philippa Childs, called it a “devastating blow” for such workers. “These workers are looking to the Chancellor in desperation for a vital lifeline and he has badly let them down,” she added.“It is clear the chancellor simply doesn’t understand the hardship these workers are in- telling them to simply claim universal credit while other workers have their incomes protected is cruel and unfair.” COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

Coronavirus UK Wage Bailout v's the Irish Solution

Tesco Ireland announced today that they will be giving their staff a 10% bonus on their hourly rate of pay, in recognition of their incredible effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.The increase will be backdated to the 9th of March 2020 and will remain in effect right up until the 1st of May 2020. The situation will then be review accordingly.The CEO of Tesco Ireland, Kari Daniels said: “It’s been an unprecedented couple of weeks and despite the enormous challenges, it’s been incredible to see how colleagues have stepped up and responded, doing an outstanding job. &quot;This pay bonus is just one way we are saying thank you to our colleagues and recognising that they are on the front-line, helping to serve Ireland’s shoppers during these uncertain and difficult times.”General Secretary John Douglas said, &quot;This Covid-19 crisis has made one thing abundantly clear to everyone across all our communities in relation to the essential public service carried out by all frontline retail workers in ensuring much needed essential supplies for us all.&quot;The selfless and dedicated work carried out by these workers by keeping stocks replenished on the supermarket shelves and by making sure supermarkets remain open during this crisis deserves to be recognised and rewarded by their employer Tesco.&quot;We now call on all other retailers to follow Tesco&#x27;s example and reward their workforce for stepping up to the plate in these worryingly dangerous times.&quot;Mr Douglas added that he believed much more needed to be done by the government to protect jobs and businesses.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a>

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