blogList

If you are a migrant woman living in the provinces of Connacht and Munster, and are looking to (re)launch your career, check out the the Mi-WOW project. They are currently recruiting participants for their 4th “Returning to the Workforce Training” programme aimed at preparing YOU to go back into employment!This programme runs twice as week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for 4 weeks, and it offers:· Introductory session (2 hours).· Communication skills for work: 5 sessions (2 hours each).· IT Up-skilling: 5 sessions (2 hours each).· Foundations on the Irish labour market and employment rights: 3 sessions (2 hours each).· Career coaching: 1 group session (2 hours) and two one-to-one career coaching sessions for each participant (1 hour each).· Follow-up support after the training for a period of 6 months.WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TRAINING?· Migrant women or migrant descendant women living in the provinces of Connacht and Munster.· Women who have the right to work in Ireland (even if part-time only).· Unemployed and/or studying.· Ready to get back to work and (re)launch their career.· Have an upper-intermediate level of English skills for work purposes. Note: All migrant women or migrant descendant women who fulfil the requirements set out above are welcomed to apply for the Mi-WOW ‘Returning to the Workforce Training’, but priority is given to women who are not in receipt of social welfare payments OR who are not required to look for work under the requirements of the social welfare benefits they receive.You can contact them by email at; miwow@newcommunities.ieMORE INFORMATION<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/67e1742b001/81114761-987f-4f2f-89aa-a13bb85d2294.pdf" target="_blank"> HERE</a>

Returning to the Workforce Training online programme for Migrant Women

<h1></h1><h2>Pandemic Unemployment Payment will remain open for new entrants until end March 2021</h2>The change comes on the back of concerns from the retail and hospitality sector, that the closing date would act as a disincentive for workers to return to work in the run up to Christmas.Commenting on the extension, Minister Humphreys said:<blockquote>“By keeping the PUP scheme open to new applicants until March 31st 2021, we are providing certainty to employees who may be returning to work in the run-up to the Christmas period.</blockquote><blockquote>I have listened to the retail and hospitality sector and I know they have had concerns that closing PUP to new entrants on December 31st, as originally planned, would act as disincentive to take up work.</blockquote><blockquote>“Workers can be re-assured that if they have to re-apply for PUP in January, February or March, they will have an entitlement to the payment.</blockquote>Also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s paymentsMinister Humphreys also added:<blockquote>“In line with keeping the PUP scheme open for applications, I am also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s payments. This will ensure that individuals who get temporary work between now and the end of March, and who lose their job can claim a jobseeker’s payment and receive their income support immediately.</blockquote><blockquote>“Workers can be re-assured that if they have to re-apply for PUP in January, February or March, they will have an entitlement to the payment.</blockquote><blockquote>“The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has proved to be an extremely effective tool in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19 and in cushioning hundreds of thousands individuals and families from sudden income shocks.</blockquote><blockquote>“This extension will help mitigate the risk that employees might think they would encounter were they to take up work in the lead-in to Christmas. It’s about giving employees some peace of mind.”</blockquote>The extension of the closing date to 31st March will ensure workers can still access the PUP in January in the event that their employment ceases after Christmas. The closing date for new applications was originally 31st December.To date, over €4.3 billion has been paid out under PUP to hundreds of thousands of people who lost their jobs as a result of the Pandemic.The Minister added:<blockquote>“The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has proved to be an extremely effective tool in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19 and in cushioning hundreds of thousands individuals and families from sudden income shocks.</blockquote><blockquote>“This extension will help mitigate the risk that employees might think they would encounter were they to take up work in the lead-in to Christmas. It’s about giving employees some peace of mind.”</blockquote><h4>Extension of the waiver on waiting days for jobseeker’s payments</h4>Minister Humphreys also secured Government approval to extend the waiver on waiting days for Jobseeker payments until the end of March 2021.Ordinarily, when a person makes an application for jobseeker’s benefit or allowance, payment is not made for the first three days of unemployment – these are called &#x27;waiting days’. These waiting days will continue to be waived on applications for Jobseeker’s payments until the end of March 2021.Minister Humphreys said:<blockquote>“In line with keeping the PUP scheme open for applications, I am also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s payments. This will ensure that individuals who get temporary work between now and the end of March, and who lose their job can claim a jobseeker’s payment and receive their income support immediately.”Source; Press Release published by the Department of Social Protection - 24 November 2020</blockquote>

Workers who return to work for Christmas can claim PUP afterwards

Google will donate 46 apartments in its huge Bolands Mill redevelopment to local public service workers, such as nurses and teachers, who will avail of rental rates below their market value for fixed terms. Google says it&#x27;s doing this as a gesture to the local community in recognition of its 17 years there.Sundar Pichai told The Independent newspaper a while back that the technology giant was willing to subsidize the local housing sector. &quot;It&#x27;s something we would think about doing over time,&quot; Pichai said. &quot;It makes sense for us as a company to do it and it&#x27;s also the right thing to do.&quot;Pichai added that housing is one of the issues “we care about.” &quot;I think we are in the early stages here. I think being part of Dublin, for us, means it&#x27;s important that we get our development right in a way that works for the community.&quot;Like other hubs elsewhere in the world, Dublin’s tech boom is having an impact on the local real estate market.Tech workers who gain on average around €100,000 a year are putting property prices out of budget for the rest of the population.In the U.S., Google is already spending some $1 billion for community housing in San Francisco to help reduce the city’s spiralling housing costs.Pichai said that his company wants to “engage with the community” and “do what is right.”&quot;If you look at Silicon Valley in the past, specifically companies like Hewlett Packard and it&#x27;s founders, they invested a lot in the communities around them. And so I think that&#x27;s what led to much of the sustainable development back then. We&#x27;ve gone through a few years of hyper growth. Maybe that sees things fall behind. So I think it has to go hand in hand.&quot;In news this week, Google said that it will donate 46 apartments in its huge Bolands Mill redevelopment to local public service workers, such as nurses and teachers, who will avail of rental rates below their market value for fixed terms.Google says it&#x27;s doing this as a gesture to the local community in recognition of its 17 years there. In that time, an apartment in the Barrow Street area has tripled in rental value, pricing most local non-tech workers out of the district they may have grown up in.So Google hopes that its move will be a small step in helping some of those people to live and work in the area.It&#x27;s not a new idea to Google, or to trillion-dollar tech firms in general. In the San Francisco area, Google, Facebook and Apple have pledged $4.5bn towards general housing stock because of the acute problems there, some of which is caused by their success. Monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments regularly exceed $4,000, thanks to hundreds of thousands of richly-paid staff.Despite some easing off during the pandemic, rents in Dublin have proven to be surprisingly resilient. An average-sized two-bedroom (one bathroom) apartment on Pearse Street goes for €3,000 per month, or €36,000 per year, according to listings on Daft.ie. This is despite all of the talk about permanent work-from-home initiatives from Google, Facebook and others in the area. Living in the south inner city is, and will probably always be, in premium demand.A large part of that is Google and Facebook, the anchor corporate tenants in the docklands area. They employ over 10,000 (very) well paid people there. As a direct result, half the incoming tech multinationals to Dublin want to be within a few kilometres of this square mile; to poach staff from those two giants and to give those poached staff continuity in the part of the city they have grown used to.Read the original article <a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/technology/google-paying-for-local-housing-is-sign-of-deepening-dublin-base-39772117.html#:~:text=Google%20will%20donate%2046%20apartments,of%20its%2017%20years%20there." target="_blank">HERE </a>

Google to donate 46 apartments to house local public service workers

Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs" target="_blank">here.</a>

Over 3,900 Job Listings from right across Ireland

Have you found yourself out of work and need to develop your skills? Skills Connect has been specifically designed for you.Skills Connect offers free, online training which will help you reskill and develop the skills that employers are looking for today. Together with Skillnet Networks they offer innovative training and upskilling programmes, each offering practical work placements or projects.Skills conversion courses can help you develop the skills to explore a career in a sector with greater employment potential. Enhance your job prospects by refreshing your existing skill set and expertise and learn new skills.Skills Connect Programmes are free for people who are seeking employment. Applicants must meet the Skills Connect eligibility criteria and meet the specific entry criteria for the relevant programme. (see below)<h2>Benefits for Individuals</h2><h2></h2><h3>TRAINING PROGRAMMES</h3>Take advantage of new job opportunities with a range of programmes designed with enterprise to assist you in developing new skills.<h3>STRUCTURED SUPPORT</h3>Career development support that offers new perspectives and approaches to expanding your career choices.<h3>PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE</h3>Skills Connect includes practical industry-based placements and projects with employers which offer the opportunity to apply your new skills.<h3>Eligible Individuals who are Welfare Payment Recipients</h3>Unemployed people with an entitlement to a Jobseekers Allowance (JA) or Jobseekers Benefit (JB) payment from the Department of Employment Affairs &amp; Social Protection (DEASP) may retain such payments subject to the Back to Education criteria of that Department.People in receipt of other forms of income support from DEASP may retain such payments subject to the Back to Education criteria of that Department. Other forms of income support include:<ul><li>Jobseeker’s Credits only</li><li>Blind Pension</li><li>Disability Allowance</li><li>Farm/Fish Assist</li><li>Illness Benefit</li><li>Invalidity Pension</li><li>One-Parent Family Payment</li><li>Rural Social Scheme</li><li>Supplementary Welfare Allowance</li><li>Adult Dependants (of listed schemes)</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</h3>People in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) may participate in training delivered through Skillnet Ireland’s Skills Connect scheme and Employment Activation Programme (EAP). As most training available through these initiatives is of short duration or part-time, recipients may continue to receive the PUP. However, once recipients identify the specific training programme that they wish to undertake, they must check their eligibility to retain the PUP with their Intreo office.<h3></h3><h3>Eligible Individuals who are not Welfare Payment Recipients</h3>Individuals who are not in receipt of a welfare payment from DEASP and whose circumstances are described below are eligible to participate.<ul><li>Former sole traders and business owners</li><li>Recent graduates who are unemployed</li><li>Homemakers</li><li>Retirees seeking to return to the workplace</li><li>Individuals who fail to qualify for social welfare payments because of a spouse’s income</li><li>Individuals signing on for credits but in receipt of no social welfare payment</li><li>Individuals who have recently accepted redundancy payments</li><li>Non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals holding immigration Stamp 4</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>Programme Duration Conditions for Welfare Recipients</h3>Programmes offered by Skillnet Ireland networks may be full or part-time and may be continuous or staggered over time. Programmes typically will incorporate a work placement, the duration of which is included in the overall course duration.<h3></h3><h3>Programmes of 20 or less days’ duration</h3>Programmes of 20 or less days’ duration may be pursued without prior approval from Intreo Offices/DEASP Scheme Areas. Individuals in receipt of a Job-seekers payment or other payment (listed above) should inform their local offices, wherever possible in advance, of their intention to participate in such short programmes.<h3>Programmes Exceeding 20 days’ Duration</h3>Individuals in receipt of a Job-seekers payment or other payment (listed above) must receive prior approval from INTREO Offices/DEASP Scheme Areas to participate on programmes delivered by training networks which exceeds 20 days in duration. For example, Disability Allowance recipients should contact the Disability Allowance Section within DEASP.<h3></h3><h3>Ineligible Unemployed Individuals</h3>Skillnet Ireland, under its current mandate, does not provide training to unemployed people who fall into any of the following categories:<ol><li>Current participants on Jobs Initiative (JI) Schemes</li><li>Non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals holding immigration Stamp 1, Stamp 2 or Stamp 3</li><li>Full-time students engaged in second or third-level education.</li></ol><h2></h2><h2>Important Additional Information for Unemployed Individuals</h2>Please note that:<ul><li>Once eligibility has been established, it is the responsibility of the Skillnet Learning Network to decide who participates in training based on the network’s programme selection criteria</li><li>Skillnet Learning Network Managers may seek information about previous work history, education and career aspirations to ensure programmes that candidates are interested in completing are relevant</li><li>If training occurs on the same day as a signing day, it is the responsibility of the learner to inform the INTREO Office and arrange an alternative signing day prior to commencing training</li><li>All trainees are required to complete relevant programme documentation including a Participant Profile Form and a Training Evaluation Form</li><li>After training is complete, learners may be contacted by the Skillnet Learning Networks or a representative of Skillnet Ireland for the purposes of evaluating programmes and determining how learners have progressed since the completion of training</li><li>Learners must be resident in the Republic of Ireland</li></ul>NEXT STEPS<h3></h3><h3>STEP 1: DISCOVER</h3>Visit the Skillnet Network websites to view all upcoming Skills Connect programmes.<h3></h3><h3>STEP 2: APPLY</h3>Apply directly to the relevant Skillnet Network for the programme that you are interested in.<h3>STEP 3: JOIN</h3>Successful applicants join the Skills Connect online programme and associated virtual work placement.CLICK HERE; <a href="https://www.skillnetireland.ie/skills-connect/?utm_source=PPC&amp;utm_medium=competitors&amp;utm_campaign=b2-1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA48j9BRC-ARIsAMQu3WRBHpkHEYYpMMgDh8CDRPHE95F2V1iqWrgYwSMzt4On09KWhouNwM0aArxOEALw_wcB" target="_blank">CHECK OUT THIS LINK</a>OFFICIAL LAUNCH INFORMATION;<h2>Minister Simon Harris launched “Skills Connect” to support workers who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19</h2>The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, launched Skillnet, Ireland’s new initiative, Skills Connect, aimed at helping workers severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to reskill quickly, secure new roles within their sector, or undertake innovative conversion courses to access job opportunities in new sectors.Skills Connect is delivered in close partnership with employers. The initiative offers individuals the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and access valuable on-the-job training. Over 20 Skillnet Networks will deliver Skills Connect programmes in sectors where there is high employment potential and a demand for talent, including: Technology, Agri-food, Medtech, Cyber Security, Logistics, Energy Efficiency and Retrofitting, Customer Experience (CX), Law and Digital Marketing.Speaking at the launch of the initiative Minister Harris said: “Since the onset of this pandemic the Government has worked hard to minimise the economic impact on those who have lost their job or have been laid off. At the same time, we must and are investing in people and provide fresh opportunities to those whose careers and livelihoods have been worst impacted. The initiative will focus on supporting people from those sectors most badly affected by COVID-19 including hospitality, tourism, and retail and offer them the opportunity to reskill and retrain in sectors with employment potential including cyber security, software programming, digital marketing and customer service. We expect to help 2,000 people by the end of the year with many more in 2021.“We must do everything possible to get businesses back on their feet and get people back to work quickly. I would really encourage anyone who can to log onto www.skillnetireland.ieto find out more. This is a time of great challenge for people but this initiative will help so many people and so many companies find their way in this Covid world.”Under the Skills Connect initiative employers will provide work placements, mentoring and a range of other career development supports.Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, said: “Since the onset of the pandemic we have intensified the collaboration with our industry partners, providing speedy and high impact solutions that are making a real difference on the ground. The Skillnet Ireland model is enterprise-led and highly adaptable to the ever-changing needs of businesses. Skills Connect is a practical employer-driven initiative that connects affected workers to new opportunities in the workplace, by building on their existing skills and experience.Skills Connect will also contribute to the other challenges facing businesses and our workforce, including Brexit, accelerated digitalisation and building Ireland’s green economy. We look forward to playing our full part in supporting the economic recovery.”Skillnet Ireland will leverage its deep industry roots across the country to help the workers find opportunities in new and emerging sectors. Over 300 companies from an array of industries have already committed to supporting the Skills Connect initiative through the provision of work placements, mentoring and other supports.Tom Clarke, Site Director, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to work in partnership with Skillnet Ireland to support workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.West Pharmaceuticals is a rapidly expanding business providing device design, development, and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and med-tech customers. We need talented and skilled team members to join our team in Ireland. We look forward to reskilling and upskilling those looking to re-enter the workforce and supporting them in the next step in their career.”Visit <a href="www.skillsconnect.ie" target="_blank">www.skillsconnect.ie</a> to learn more.<h1></h1>

Free Courses to help People Rapidly Reskill

The chosen cast will spend time in a luxury villa, getting to know one another, but to remain in paradise they must win the hearts of the public and their fellow Islanders who ultimately decide their fate on Love Island.Please complete this form (the “Registration Form”) order to register your interest to apply for “Love Island” (the “Programme”) co-produced by ITV Studios Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) and Motion Content Group Limited (“Motion”) for initial transmission by ITV Rights Limited (the “Broadcaster”).Please note you are just registering your interest at this stage. When we are ready to begin casting contestants, we will invite you to log back into your account to complete and submit a full application form.Please ensure you meet the eligibility requirements (as set out below) and read the Programme’s terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”) very carefully before you start to complete the Registration Form.ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSYou must be aged at least 18 (eighteen) years or over due to the nature of the Programme.You are not:currently employed by us, Motion or the Broadcaster and have not been previously employed by us, any of the ITV group of companies, Motion or the Broadcaster; ora live-in partner or immediate relative (for example, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister) of an employee of ours, Motion, the Broadcaster or any of the ITV group of companies.You must hold a passport which will be valid for the whole period of filming of the Programme and at least 6 (six) months thereafter, and be eligible to travel to the Programme destinations we specify. You also agree to notify us immediately of any change to your passport or travel status; andYou must be exclusively available to participate in the Programme for a minimum of 8 (eight) consecutive weeks for production of the Programme<a href="https://itv.etribez.com/ag/itvli/loveisland7/welcome.html" target="_blank">Apply here.</a>

Applications now open for Love Island 2021

<h2> Let us show you how to set up job alerts with JobAlert.ie, so you never miss an opportunity</h2>At JobAlert.ie we have new jobs coming in all the time. Signing up for a Job Alert will ensure that you never miss an opportunity that matches your search criteria.It’s so easy to do. Just run a search using your preferred keywords, titles, or company name and location on our search bar and press enter. You will see a list of current vacancies and on the right hand side a little box saying “Turn on alerts for this search”, click the button below to switch an alert on. You will then be prompted to enter your email address.You can set up many different Job Alerts using various search options if you like.What happens next?You will receive an email each time a new job is uploaded matching the criteria you have selected, so you never miss that perfect job. You can unsubscribe at any time from job alerts within the emails or as detailed in our terms.Good Luck with your Job search, if you need help with your CV, interview tips and for informative blogs click <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog?tag=jobseekers" target="_blank">HERE</a>To start searching for jobs and to set up alerts click <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/" target="_blank">HERE</a> You might also find these topics useful;<h1>Answering Interview questions: </h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/interview-question-how-to-answer-what-are-your-salary-expectation" target="_blank">How to answer &#x27;What are your salary expectations?&#x27;</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/answering-the-interview-question-why-do-you-want-to-work-for-this" target="_blank">Why do you want to work for this company?</a></h1><h1> <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/how-to-answer-the-interview-question-what-makes-you-unique" target="_blank">&quot;What makes you unique?&quot;</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/how-to-answer-the-interview-question-tell-us-about-yourself" target="_blank">&quot;Tell us about yourself?&quot;</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/how-to-answer-the-interview-question-how-would-you-describe-yours" target="_blank">How would you describe yourself?</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/interview-question-how-to-answer-why-did-you-leave-your-last-job" target="_blank">&#x27;Why did you leave your last job?&#x27;</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/interview-question-how-to-answer-how-will-you-add-value-to-this-c" target="_blank">&#x27;How will you add value to this company?&#x27;</a></h1><h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/interview-question-how-to-answer-what-are-your-salary-expectation" target="_blank">&#x27;What are your salary expectations?&#x27;</a></h1><h1></h1><h1>Guide:How to explain gaps in employment - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/guide-how-to-explain-gaps-in-employment-sample-answers-for-all-si" target="_blank">Sample answers for all situations</a></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1>

How to set up job alerts with JobAlert.ie

Tesco Ireland have announced that employees will be given a 10% Christmas bonus this year. &quot;Our colleagues continue to rise to the challenge of Covid 19 and we recognise that this will be a very different Christmas. In recognition of our teams on the frontline in our stores and distribution centre we will be awarding a 10% bonus for the duration of the Christmas season.&quot; &quot;I thank them sincerely for their continued hard work, dedication and resilience.&quot;- CEO of Tesco Ireland, Kari Daniels The bonus will be received by employees who have been been working with the company on or before the 1st of September 2020. Staff will be paid between November 29th and December 26th.Tesco Ireland also recently announced they will create 450 permanent jobs and 700 temporary jobs for the Christmas period. Check out all available job vacancies on their careers page <a href="https://roi.tesco-careers.com/search-and-apply/" target="_blank">here.</a>

Christmas bonus for Tesco staff in Ireland

If you&#x27;re working remotely, you may be able to claim tax relief on the additional costs of working from home, including electricity, heat and broadband.<a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/eworking_and_tax_relief.html" target="_blank">Citizens Information</a> have detailed exactly how to go about claiming a tax relief at the end of the year. Here is everything you need to know;How much can I claim?You may have extra costs when you are working from home including heating, electricity and broadband costs. Your employer can pay you a contribution towards these costs or you can make a claim for tax relief at the end of the year.If your employer pays you an allowance towards these expenses, you can get up to €3.20 per day without paying any tax, PRSI or USC on it. If your employer pays more than €3.20 per day to cover expenses, you pay tax, PRSI and USC as normal on the amount above €3.20. You should note that employers are not legally obliged to make this payment to their employees.If your employer does not pay you an allowance for your expenses, you can make a claim for tax relief at the end of the year. You will get money back from the taxes you paid.Your refund of tax is based on:- How many days you worked from home- The cost of the expenses- Revenue’s agreed rate for calculating the cost of running a home officeRevenue’s rate for the cost of running a home office is 10% of the cost of electricity and heating. This means that you can claim 10% of the total amount of allowable utility bills against your taxes. You can also claim 30% of broadband costs for the tax year 2020. This applies for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.You can only claim for the days that you work from home. This does not include times you may have brought work home to do outside your normal working hours.If your employer pays you an allowance towards your expenses, the amount paid is deducted from the amount you can claim back from Revenue.ExampleMary works from home for 6 months while her office is closed due to the COVID-19 emergency. During that 6 months her household bills for heating and electricity come to €1000 and her broadband comes to €300. At the end of the year she can claim tax back on expenses of:- €100 for heating and electricity (10% of €1000)- €90 for broadband (30% of €300)- €190 in totalThe amount she gets back depends on her rate of tax. If she pays tax at the higher tax rate of 40% she will get €76 back from her taxes (40% of €190). If she pays tax at the lower rate of 20%, she will receive €38 back (20% of €190).How to applyYou can claim tax relief online using Revenue’s myAccount service. You can also access the <a href="https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/home.html" target="_blank">myAccount service</a> on mobile and tablet devices using Revenue’s <a href="https://www.revenue.ie/en/online-services/support/mobile-and-desktop-applications/revapp.aspx" target="_blank">RevApp.</a>To complete an Income Tax return online use the following steps:1. Sign in to <a href="https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/sign_in.html?execution=e2s1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank">myAccount</a>2. Click on ‘Review your tax’ link in PAYE Services3. Select the Income Tax return for the relevant tax year4. Select ‘Other PAYE Expenses’ in the ‘Tax Credits and Reliefs’ page and insert the amount of expense at the ‘Amount Claimed’ sectionYou must be able to account for each expense you intend to claim. This means keeping a record of all receipts and bills. You should keep all documentation relating to your claim for 6 years from the end of the tax year to which the claim relates.You may also need a letter from your employer stating that you work from home.More information can also be found <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/eworking_and_tax_relief.html" target="_blank">here.</a>Take care and best wishes fromThe JobAlert.ie Team

How To Claim Work From Home Expenses

<h2>Pfizer is creating about 300 new jobs at its manufacturing sites in Grange Castle in Co Dublin, Newbridge in Co Kildare and Ringaskiddy in Co Cork.</h2>The US drugs company said it is investing about €300m in its Irish operations to support the further development of the three sites.The investment and hiring of the new jobs will be completed over the next two to three years. Pfizer has been operating in Ireland since 1969 and has 4,000 workers across six locations based in Cork, Dublin, and Kildare. The new roles include comprise a broad range of highly skilled positions including analysts, technicians, engineers, scientists, technologists, quality specialists, data analysts and chemists. Pfizer said its latest investment will upgrade and enhance its facilities, expand manufacturing and laboratory capacity and add new technologies to ensure it is ready to support the next wave of medical innovations. It said that part of the investment includes the initial stage of a project to construct a development facility on its existing Ringaskiddy site to manufacture pharmaceutical compounds for the company&#x27;s clinical trials globally. &quot;This is a very important development as it expands Pfizer&#x27;s role in Ireland from the manufacture of already approved medicines into supporting the earlier phases of new medicine development,&quot; the company said.Pfizer&#x27;s Irish sites manufacture medicines and vaccines in the areas of arthritis, inflammation, cancer, anti-infectives, haemophilia, pain and stroke. Paul Reid, Country Manager of Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, said the company&#x27;s purpose is to discover breakthrough medicines that change patients&#x27; lives.He said these new positions are key roles within the organisation and play an important function in the manufacturing and delivery of medicines to patients worldwide. &quot;Currently we are focused on our Covid-19 efforts, including our vaccine development programme. Pfizer is also significantly investing in other innovations across healthcare such as gene therapy and complex biologics targeting some of the most debilitating medical conditions,&quot; Mr Reid said. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said today&#x27;s significant jobs and investment announcement by Pfizer is a further vote of confidence in the skills and talent of Irish people and provides a very welcome boost to the economy. &quot;Over the past five decades, there has been a huge expansion of the sector in this country, creating thousands of jobs and solidifying Ireland&#x27;s reputation as a world leader in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing,&quot; Mr Martin said. &quot;Pfizer has made a significant contribution to the Irish economy and this latest investment is a testament to the quality and experience of the workforce here,&quot; he added.Martin Shanahan, the CEO of IDA Ireland, said today&#x27;s investment announcement and the substantial number of additional highly skilled roles across its three Irish sites is a huge vote of confidence in Ireland&#x27;s investment environment.Mr Shanahan said it again underscores Ireland&#x27;s reputation as a global location of excellence for biopharmaceuticals.Pfizer hopes to be the first US drugmaker to unveil successful data from a late-stage Covid-19 vaccine trial. The company along with its German partner BioNTech launched their 44,000 volunteer phase 3 study of their vaccine in late July. For some Current Vacancies at Pfizer <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=pfizer" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>

300 new jobs at 3 of Pfizer's 6 sites - Dublin, Kildare and Cork

<h2>New Rent Supplement rules apply and will be in place until 31 March 2021</h2>Legislation was introduced to prevent both the termination of residential tenancies and any rent increases for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.While tenants are expected to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rent Supplement is available to you if you are struggling to pay.You can qualify for Rent Supplement if you or your partner are working more than 30 hours per week and you have had a reduction in your income from work due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.You must have been in your current tenancy for more than 4 weeks and could have continued to paid your rent from your own resources, but for the COVID-19 public health emergency.If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19 and are medically required to self-isolate, your Rent Supplement can be processed and paid immediately.You will be assessed for Rent Supplement using a higher Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate – see below.If your Rent Supplement continues after 31 March 2021, it will be reviewed and the existing Rent Supplement rules, guidelines and means assessment will apply.<h3>Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for Rent Supplement and COVID-19</h3>Rent Supplement ensures that your income, after paying rent, does not fall below a minimum level. This minimum level is the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your circumstances minus a set Household Contribution (you may pay more depending on your means).The basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate is normally €201 – you will get a higher rate if you have dependents. However, if you are a new Rent Supplement applicant and applied on or after 13 March 2020, you will be assessed for Rent Supplement using the following Supplementary Welfare Allowance rates:€350 for a single person€700 for a couple€40 for each childIf your employment (or self-employment) has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, or if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick, read our document on COVID-19 (coronavirus) and social welfare payments. Rule that applies;For applicants who apply on or after 13 March 2020, you must have been in your current tenancy for more than 4 weeks and could have continued to paid your rent from your own resources, but for the COVID-19 public health emergency.<h3>Employment and Rent Supplement</h3>For applicants who apply on or after 13 March 2020, you can qualify for Rent Supplement if you or your partner are working more than 30 hours per week and you have had a reduction in your income from work due to the COVID-19 public health emergency – see COVID-19 and Rent Supplement above.You will be reassessed for Rent Supplement and some of your additional income including some of your income from employment will be taken into account. As a result of the reassessment you may or may not continue to qualify for Rent Supplement. If you do qualify for Rent Supplement you may get a different rate of Supplement.If you start work (employment or self-employment), you must notify the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to avoid any overpayment of Rent Supplement.More information is available <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html#lb623b" target="_blank">HERE</a>

Struggling to pay rent? Rent supplements are available with new rules!

Calling all small Irish businesses!The Late Late is going showcase the best of small Irish businesses in a special programme on Friday, November 6 on RTÉ One.The move follows a callout by Ryan Tubridy on his RTÉ Radio 1 show this week for entrepreneurs to send him in details of their businesses so that he could encourage people to shop local in the run-up to Christmas.Speaking on his show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Wednesday, the host said: &quot;We are going to do something very big on this on The Late Late Show. We&#x27;ve decided that this is a strain that&#x27;s running through the country that needs to be acknowledged with as big an audience as possible. &quot;The Late Late Show has never been as popular, thankfully, viewer-wise - even more so than last year, which is just amazing. Well over half a million people will watch this programme, on average, to look at you. So it&#x27;s alive and well and very healthy, and we appreciate all the viewers coming to see us on a Friday night. I have to say that, and I don&#x27;t say that enough.&quot;&quot;The good news is that on Friday, sixth of November we are going to go big on local business to say, &#x27;We hear you, we want you, we want to support you and we want to send all that business your way&#x27;. Shop local, buy local, keep local alive.&quot;Interested businesses should email: latelateextra@rte.ie.

Showcase your Small Business on the Late Late Show!

Remember you are not alone. Help is out there. There are so many organisations offering online, phone and text support services: Samaritans 24 hour helpline: Call 116 123 / Email: jo@samaritans.ie Aware: 1800 804 848 Pieta House: 1800 247 247 Jigsaw: Call 1800 544729 / E-mail help@jigsaw.ie / Visit: https://jigsaw.ie/talk-online/ Free counselling sessions: http://mymind.org (for any age) &amp; http://jigsaw.ie (12-25 year olds) HSE mental health phone line: 1800 111 888 Childline: 1800 666 666 or Free Text the word ‘Talk’ to 50101 ALONE: 0818 222 024 Crisis Volunteers: Free Text 50808 Rape Crisis: 1800 778 888 Women&#x27;s Aid: 1800 341 900 Take care everyone.

Help is there if you need it | Don't suffer in silence

SUMMARY;<ul><li>The Wage Subsidy Scheme will be enhanced. There will be five bands now instead of two which will pay employers more to keep staff on.</li><li>Changes to the pandemic unemployment payment will see the €350 rate return for workers who were earning more than €400. </li><li>The Government have promised additional business supports.</li><li>Only essential businesses can remain open.  Construction sites, schools and creches can stay open.</li><li>Under level five, people will be asked to stay and work at home wherever possible, and to exercise within 5km of their home.</li><li>A graduated system of penalties is being examined to enforce the travel restrictions.</li><li>Weddings will also be allowed remain at 25 guests.</li><li>A &#x27;support bubble&#x27; system is being set up, allowing people who live alone to have close contact with one other household.</li><li>Elite sport including inter-county GAA will be allowed to continue as well as League of Ireland and the Six Nations.</li></ul>Official Government AnnouncementThe government has decided today that, as of midnight on Wednesday 21st October, all of Ireland will be placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID with a small number of exceptions as set out below.This action is based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country and the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-COVID health services and protecting the vulnerable.Level 5 restrictions will remain in place for a period of 6 weeks.Given the difficulties that these restrictions place on individuals and families across the State, the risk of job losses and of poverty and homelessness, the Government has agreed that the moratorium on evictions be reinstated and that Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme be amended to reflect these challenges.Placing the country at Level 5 Restrictions will have the following implications:<ul><li>people are asked to stay at home. People should work from home unless providing an essential service for which their physical presence is required (see below for essential services)</li><li>people will be permitted to exercise within a radius of 5 km of their home</li><li>there will be a penalty for movement outside 5km of home, with exemptions to this for essential work and essential purposes (see notes to editors)</li><li>in line with current NPHET advice in respect of Level 5, schools, early learning and childcare services will continue to remain open and are deemed essential</li><li>in addition, in recognition of the impact on children and young people of restrictions, non-contact training can continue for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15. All other training activities should be individual only, with some exemptions, see below</li><li>there should be no visits to other people’s homes or gardens</li><li>however, there will be the concept of an extended household (or support bubble) for defined categories of individuals to support those at risk of social isolation and/or mental ill-health (see notes to editors).</li><li>no social/family gatherings should take place, with the exemptions to this for weddings and funerals (see below).</li></ul>It is possible to meet with one other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for exercise<ul><li>there should be no organised indoor or outdoor events.</li><li>essential retail and essential services will remain open (see below).</li><li>public transport will operate at 25% capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work [School transport unaffected].</li><li>in line with current NPHET advice in respect of Level 5, professional, elite sports and inter-county Gaelic games, horse-racing and greyhound racing can continue behind closed doors.</li><li>bars, cafes, restaurants and wet pubs may provide take-away and delivery services only. Wet pubs in *hotels, guesthouses and B&amp;Bs may remain open, but only to support provision of essential services.</li><li>those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to continue to exercise personal judgement. It is recommended that they stay at home as much as possible, limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced. When taking exercise outdoors, it is important to maintain 2 metres distance from others and wash hands on returning home. It is recommended to shop during designated hours only, while wearing a face covering, and to avoid public transport.</li><li>religious services will be available online</li><li>museums, galleries and other cultural attractions will remain closed</li><li>libraries will be available for online services only.</li><li>outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures.</li><li>visits to Long Term Residential Care facilities are suspended with the exception of visits required for critical and compassionate circumstances</li></ul><h3>Essential purposes for travel (permitted outside 5k limit)</h3><ul><li>travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service (see below)</li><li>to attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products</li><li>for vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, and in particular for those who live alone, as part of an extended household but excluding social family visits</li><li>to attend a wedding or funeral</li><li>for farming purposes i.e. food production and/or care of animals</li><li>to visit a grave</li></ul>ADDITIONAL NOTES;Exemptions for weddings (irrespective of venue):** Up to 25 guests for wedding ceremony and reception.Exemption for funerals: Up to 10 mourners.<h3>Sports/Training/Matches</h3>No training or matches should take place, with the exception of professional, elite sports and inter-county Gaelic games, horse-racing and greyhound racing, which are being permitted to continue behind closed doors.<h3>Extended Household Concept</h3>In order to support those who risk isolation, such as single adult households and those who have shared parenting or shared custody arrangements; those living alone who have mental health challenges, or those living with partner with dementia for example, it will be possible for those in such circumstances to nominate one other household with whom they can mix. This will allow for social support beyond the caring exemptions already available.<h3>Amendments to PUP and EWSS</h3>We know the move to Level 5 will have a significant impact on businesses – we know many people will temporarily lose their jobs on ThursdayAs a result of the fact that businesses have to close we are making changes to the PUP and the EWSSThe new payment structure for the PUP is as follows, with the rate of €350 restored to those who were earning in excess of €400 per week:Prior Weekly Earnings (Gross) less than €200 - PUP Payment €203€200 – €299.99 - PUP Payment €250€300 - €399.99 - PUP Payment €300more than €400 - PUP Payment €350This change to payment rates will apply for payments issued from Tuesday 27th October (PUP is paid weekly on a Tuesday) in respect of all existing and new applicants.The EWSS is also being amended to align with the amendment to PUP. This means here will be 5 payment rates/bands as follows:<ul><li>0 - €151 = €0</li><li>&gt;€151 &lt; €203 = €203</li><li>&gt;€203 &lt; €300 = €250</li><li>&gt;€300 &lt; €400 = €300</li><li>&gt;€400&lt; €1,462 = €350</li></ul>The main aim of this scheme is to ensure where possible employees retain their link with their employer rather than become unemployed. This revised scheme will run to end January 2021.SEE LIST OF ESSENTIAL RETAILERS; <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-4/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/essentialretail/" target="_blank">HERE</a>SEE LIST OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES; <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/essentialservices/" target="_blank">HERE</a>

Level 5 restrictions come into force midnight Wednesday

<h2>Further Education and Training (FET) courses </h2>FET offers a wide range of free courses for anyone over 16 who is looking to learn new skills or build upon their existing skills in order to find a job. The FET courses are provided through the Education and Training Board (ETB) network. Get started <a href="https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>eCollege by SOLAS </h2>SOLAS is the state agency for further education and training in Ireland, giving learners the opportunity to succeed in the workforce. Since March 2020, they have made their online training platform eCollege completely free. There is a wide range of training courses available. More information can be found <a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>National Learning Network (NLN) </h2>The National Learning Network provides training and support to anyone struggling to find a job. Regardless of your circumstances, the National Learning Network can help you. Currently, NLN offers over 70 different training programmes, which include courses in computer and business skills. All courses provided by the NLN are free and you’re able to keep your benefits. A small lunch allowance is also given to students and you may be entitled to travel allowance. Visit the <a href="https://www.rehab.ie/national-learning-network/" target="_blank">NLN&#x27;s website</a> for all the details. <h2>Springboard+ Courses </h2>Springboard+ are currently offering 11,000+ free or subsidised places on courses. Upon completion of these courses, you will be awarded a certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The courses are co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU social fund, so take full advantage! More information can be found <a href="https://springboardcourses.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>Education and Training Boards (ETB’S) </h2>Further education and training courses are provided by ETB’s. As there is an education and training board for every county in Ireland, we recommend reaching out to your local training centre and see if they have any administrative training opportunities. ETB’s offer a wide range of traineeship programmes and specific skills training, with a number of courses being offered free of charge. More information can be found <a href="https://www.etbi.ie/" target="_blank">here. </a><h2>Skillnet Ireland </h2>Skillnet Ireland funds a number of upskilling courses for unemployed people in Ireland, helping job seekers acquire the necessary skills to join the workforce. Learn more on their <a href="https://www.skillnetireland.ie/about/developing-your-skills/developing-irelands-future-workforce/" target="_blank">website.</a><h2>Intreo - for jobseekers </h2>If you’re currently receiving jobseeker&#x27;s payment, there are a number of short term courses that you’ll qualify for which are provided by Intreo. <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/List-of-Social-Welfare-Local-and-Branch-Offices-by-County.aspx" target="_blank">Get in touch with your local branch today.</a><h2>Local employment centres/Job clubs </h2>Research and discover what local employment services or job clubs are located in your area as they may have training opportunities available. Many job clubs are active on social media so try searching for them on Facebook or Twitter to see what they have to offer. Best of luck on your career journey!

Free training courses to build your professional skills

The elves are back and getting ready for this year&#x27;s Toy Show and this year its going to be bigger and better than ever and we are looking for children from around the country to help create that special toyshow magic! From solo singers to choirs, dance troupes to drama groups or just a kid who has something to say we want to hear from you. If you know someone that would like to be part of our show at the end of November then here’s what you have to do. Fill out the application form <a href="https://www.rte.ie/tv/audience-participation/2020/0807/1157921-apply-now-the-late-late-toy-show-auditions/" target="_blank">HERE </a>and upload a video of you doing what you do best be it singing, dancing or just having a chat. The Toy Show is in the business of making magic happen so maybe the little dreamer in your life is ready for their dream to come true. Fáilteofar roimh iarratais as Gaeilge.  Closing Date for Applications - Monday 28th September Source: RTÉ

Latest Posts