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What better way to spend your time, if you’re finding yourself at a lose end during Lockdown. Check out the many volunteer opportunities available on websites such as I-VOL or Volunteer.ie. You can take part in important research, light up someone&#x27;s day by writing letters to people in various care centres. Use your skills by doing some social media management for important support services. There’s so many different opportunities.The Irish Genealogical Research society are looking for volunteers to help with creating hugely important databases of genealogically valuable records. More hands are always needed to move these projects along. Current projects include a Registry of Deeds and Early Irish marriages.Transcribe a story in Irish or English from the Dúchas Schools Collection and discover traditional lore, crafts, customs and local history.Help the National Biodiversity Data Centre with their new initiative ‘Backyard Biodiversity’, to record species found in gardens. The scheme seeks to obtain sightings of 20 recognisable species that can be found in urban and rural gardens. This is something that the whole family can get involved with.Take part in the Be My Eyes project where every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects people for visual assistance through live video calls.Count penguins in remote regions to help Oxford University, understand their lives and environment. Penguins are globally loved but under threat. Why are penguin populations are in decline? Help monitor penguins and answer this question.The National Library of Ireland also need help with dating and providing information on images. They use ‘The Commons’ on Flickr to upload hundreds of photos, prints and manuscripts. The public are then invited to help date and provide information on the images, helping add to the National Library’s archive.Read more and volunteer through the following sites;<a href="https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/" target="_blank">https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/</a>and<a href="https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/" target="_blank">https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/</a>

Ever thought about volunteering – well now you can do it virtually.

Pamela Doyle

COVID-19 Income Supports Employer &amp; Employee Guidance Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Updated 01.04.2020Table of ContentsSection 01OverviewSection 02Illness/Self-IsolationSection 03Temporary Lay-off/UnemploymentSection 04Frequently Asked QuestionsOverviewThe Government announced a number of new measures to provide financial support to workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. As part of these measures, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is administering a number of emergency income support payments. These schemes/payments enable employees, whose employers are affected by the pandemic, to receive significant supports during the period of the pandemic.This document provides employers and employees with additional information on the operation of these temporary supports. It also presents a number of detailed Q&amp;A and scenarios to assist employees, self-employed and employers at this challenging time.It should be read in conjunction with the individual scheme information available on our website at gov.ie/deasp.This information may be updated, and any updates will be published on our dedicated COVID-19 website at gov.ie/deaspcovid19.In considering how to respond to questions employers and employees are directed in the first instance to the public health advice issued by the HSE, available on their website www.hse.ie. It is essential that all individuals and employers abide by this advice  Frequently asked questions on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment/Illness PaymentsQuestions Answered:<ul><li>What is the best way to apply for a COVID-19 unemployment or illness payment?</li><li>How do I know if I am eligible for the COVID-19 unemployment payment?</li><li>What do I do if I have already claimed the payment but am not eligible?</li><li>I made a claim for the COVID-19 payment but have received nothing. What should I do?</li><li>I am an Irish resident worker, but I use an overseas or international bank account. How can I get a payment?</li><li>I am a worker who has been asked by my employer to stay at home, but she/he is still paying me some or all of my wages. What should I do?</li><li>I am a worker who has been asked by my employer to stay at home, but she/he cannot pay me anything. What can I claim?</li><li>I am a self-employed worker whose trade has ceased or fallen away.</li><li>I claimed a COVID-19 jobseeker payment but now my employer is paying me. What should I do?</li><li>I am a worker who was also in receipt of a social welfare payment while at work. What is my position?</li><li>I am a worker who works on one side of the border with Northern Ireland but lives on the other. What are my rights?</li><li>I am a worker aged over 66 who has lost my employment income am I entitled to a payment?</li><li>I am in employment and am concerned I might catch the virus from colleagues. Can I leave work and claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?</li><li>Part-time/casual jobseekers who lose their employment – do they qualify for the €350 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?</li><li>How will employees’ PRSI contributions be affected if employer avails of the temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme or a worker claims the COVID-19 emergency payment?</li><li>How does the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment/COVID Wage Subsidy Scheme impact Maternity/Paternity/Adoptive leave?</li><li>I am a person who is required to ‘cocoon’. How can I collect my social welfare payment?</li><li>I am a worker who needs to self-isolate or who is ill with COVID-19. What should I do?</li><li>I am not an employee or self-employed worker but I do receive a social welfare payment. What should I do?</li><li>What happens when I finish my period of self-isolation or when my illness clears up?</li></ul><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.gov.ie%2F72299%2F8548595821b442bfb16c50bd01ea7588.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0IKiG7ZKAcVOyOs6B4ZC1MQutGBGcNoT_IrJRCfdszC89HitS3ie6Y53E&amp;h=AT3woRoaTkd0rf3vWgEhfwJX-SoQpaC5hEe5H7wnymWO78XH7wXFPonJAlQlwTiZAKdyNYcVQ68yR-BsNHON00xMpH5sI3SKdRfDO63eMLdG94rBuHoZcsRU7MZ25Buxhhm70QaGBBVciT7uUSn1fAwHyQoPj6kepaPk1OhTCC6gARzllS3546pwkheIN7HsBN-kojgSsjHP1i_TaAscbA6E60tLCfu_kwELbXaESDtlRvE41iH_PgjT6Yu-BjaMo_qA6Psd8W_o4jqRcgn9BbHEGvbOhu5ekUOeMmbO4M2O1gkMOMaK1qKB521uyy5wW7vv1c3IrcYYnaSqSULG8GcYxC5ZYfc8K9r_FBBR8WNjdrAUmW05S788qxoPJWdPJ9vDRR9k_kzOC_4zB_zrmKv90tKJCGBq-4Dmk4JMN1H2Cg5jETxNjgH1QAww9MvJ4TQ5mEzTrs1zgkHxNpTgn58wr282t9QzMLzZPD-pUCaopsxphD1Q5fXqVDQoUZfATqS0dXbhmEprudldyycmxGVYXSh51upv7UnVozQthyqes2EnnA90mT6dm3u4-h9Ij_RH9wRI95D_USroejg1zKrCAfFF9OjE8wwNNob_rsmYe7uKy5Eb4H7qMlucclTuB3VyGAg" target="_blank">Download the complete question and answer document here.</a>Also - if you need more information on the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Revenue have released a question and answer document too.<a href="https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/documents/pmod-topics/guidance-on-operation-of-temporary-covid-wage-subsidy-scheme.pdf" target="_blank"> Click here to download. </a>For any further queries - The Covid_19 Income Support Phone-Line is open from 9am to 5pm: 01-248-1398 / 1890-800-024. Take care.

UPDATED: COVID-19 Income Supports - Frequently Asked Questions

<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

Are you trying to find a job but you&#x27;ve no prior professional experience? The team at JobAlert.ie have put together some quick tips to help you with your job search.No experience, no problem!The impossible riddle that haunts jobseekers – “I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience”.If you are still in school, searching for a part-time job can feel hopeless when you haven’t got any work experience.Do not fear as we have detailed a blueprint to beef up your CV and guide you to landing a job this summer!Writing a CV without any work experienceHave you recently found yourself saying “I don’t have anything to put down on my CV”? Well, that is all about to change my friend.It’s time to put on your thinking cap for a few minutes.Employers are looking for candidates that possess a particular set of skills to make sure they are competent enough to do the job they are hiring for.So it’s time to prove to the employer that you are up to the task.Make a list of any activities you have successfully completed in the past that highlighted your skill set. It’s very important that you list skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.Examples include:•	Working on a school project (Teamwork) •	Giving a presentation (Communication) •	Knowledge of computers (IT) •	Babysitting (Responsibility) •	Captain of school football team (Leadership) •	Binge watching Netflix for 12 hours straight (Strong Work Ethic) All of these activities allow you to build a list of skills for your CV.  Write down 4 – 5 skills with examples for each. To get the ball rolling, download a <a href="https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-resume/sample-resumes/resume-template-vce-no-work-experience" target="_blank">free CV template here</a> for jobseekers who have no experience. If you don’t have a CV yet, use the same format of the above CV template and just replace the information with your own. Now you have a CV ready for employers.Cover letterThe next piece of the puzzle is writing your cover letter. The same principles for writing your CV will apply for your cover letter. Gather relevant skills plus examples from past activities and include them in your cover letter. Download <a href="https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-cover-letter/sample-cover-letters/cover-letter-no-work-experience" target="_blank">Cover Letter templates here</a> which are specifically designed for jobseekers who have no experience. No shortcutsWhen applying online for summer jobs you must always tailor your CV and cover letter for each individual job. This does not mean lie about who you are and what skills you possess. It just means making your application as relevant as possible to the position you are applying for.Using similar language and linking your relevant skills with those listed on the job requirements will give you an advantage and grab the attention of the employer more than if you keep your CV generic.Completing a new cover letter for every job you apply for will also give you an edge and show the employer that you have done your homework. Do some research and learn about the company’s values and history. Then tie in how your own personality traits and skills that you showcased are aligned with the company you are applying for.Use your networkI’m sure you’re familiar with the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Well, when it comes to finding a job for the summer this old school saying holds some weight.Make sure you speak with teachers, family members, sports team coaches, parents of friends – literally anyone you can think of and ask them if they know of any companies hiring. The fact is that you could be just one conversation away from a friend or family member helping you land a summer job.Also – let the world know you want a job! Don’t keep it bottled in. Blast it out across your Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat profiles – even use Facebook stories (It’s about time someone did).  If nobody knows you want a job nothing will ever change. Everyone you come in contact with, just tell them you are looking for a summer job.Get out of your comfort zone – If you don’t ask you don’t getIn the case of finding a summer job just sending applications online will not be enough.  It’s time to get up close and personal with employers. I do understand that the thought of printing out your CV and visiting a shop owner to ask for a job may seem daunting. However the reward far outweighs the awkwardness of asking an employer if they are hiring. Landing a job for the summer will allow you to start earning your own money while gaining valuable work experience that will act as the building blocks for your career in the future.Build a tolerance for rejectionNever take rejection personally. Ever.Everyone you have ever known who is in a job has been rejected at one point or another. It’s part and parcel of the game, so get used to it. The more times you get rejected, the more your confidence will build in the face of it. Rejection will build your character. What won’t build your character is the fear of rejection.It’s this fear of rejection that cripples most people and paralyses them when it comes to taking meaningful action that would improve their lives.  So get comfortable with the uncomfortable and embrace rejection.Ideas on where to find summer jobs:•	Local shops and small businesses in your town (Not just for the summer) •	Shopping centres •	Hotels and resorts •	Tourist’s attractions •	Golf and Tennis clubs •	Parks &amp; recreation areas •	Local government summer job programs: Visit your local county council careers website or contact the local enterprise boards in your area •	Summer camps •	Fast food restaurants (Visit their careers website first to see if they are hiring) •	Internship programs: Search online to see if any companies are offering an internship program. •	Visit the jobs section on our website to find companies hiring in your local area. Final tip: If you are a teenager please become familiar with your employment rights as well as the Minimum Wage rate in Ireland. Review all the details <a href="https://www.schooldays.ie/articles/teen-summer-jobs" target="_blank">here.</a>Remember that there are move CVs than there are jobs, so keep applying and stack the odds in your favour. The team at JobAlert.ie wishes you every success in your venture to find a job this summer. When the going gets tough just keep on going! Best of luck.Want to keep updated with jobs in your local area? Like us on Facebook and receive updates every day about opportunities in your county. We have a separate Facebook page for every county in Ireland -<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/find-us-on-facebook/" target="_blank"></a> check out the full list at the bottom of our website <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie" target="_blank">home page.</a>

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