Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
933. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports available to help workers (details supplied) in south western areas of Dublin that are facing redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7201/20]
View answerFirstly, I would like to say that my thoughts are with all Debenhams workers who are dealing with job losses at this difficult time. As deputies are well aware, with the exception of grocery outlets, the retail sector has been particularly affected by the economic turmoil caused by Covid-19. Having come through a number of turbulent years and an examinership process, it is regrettable that the Debenhams workers now face redundancy.
I want to assure everybody that the my Department is assisting the affected workers through its Intreo service to help them in whatever way we can in terms of income supports and job-seeking over the coming weeks and months. Indeed over the past number of weeks officials from my Department have engaged with both officials from Mandate and with the Human Resource management team in Debenhams to ensure that all workers have received their due entitlements from my Department.
My officials are also available to assist these workers in the job search efforts over the period ahead and with advice on further education and training options that will help them to find work within their sector or in other sectors where work opportunities will become available as the economy improves over the period ahead.
Furthermore, the redundancy and insolvency section of my Department has already engaged with the liquidators appointed to Debenhams and is continuing to work with them to ensure that all claims in respect of employees are dealt with expeditiously.
Specifically, in relation to income supports, the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was available to the employees when they were initially temporarily laid off and continues to be paid to them while the emergency payment is in operation. In some cases, where it was more advantageous, employees will have been awarded a Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance payment depending on their family composition and circumstances.
In addition to the immediate income supports the Dublin Mid Leinster Division of my Department organised and hosted an online information session on 15/5/2020 for Debenhams employees. The purpose of this online session was to give support to the employees during this difficult time and to provide reassurance that there is a variety of organisations and services available to them to with the ultimate aim of supporting them back to employment. The supports and advice outlined included initial income supports, job searching, training/education options, help with CVs and/or interview preparation as well as advice on self-employment and personal finances.
Information was presented by representatives of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Education and Training Boards, Jobs Clubs, the Local Enterprise Office and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
An invitation to the online information session was facilitated to employees through the Mandate Trade Union and Debenhams. Approximately 230 employees viewed the information session. Follow up information and contact details are currently being issued to any employees seeking further information or support on the options outlined.
With regard to redundancy supports, entitlement to a redundancy payment is defined under the Redundancy Payments Act. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy payments to eligible employees. In situations where an employer is unable to pay these entitlements due to financial difficulties or insolvency an application for payment under the Redundancy Payments Scheme may be submitted to the Department. The Department is engaging with the liquidator with a view to progressing these redundancy applications.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
