The Department has clarified that where a person has had a reduction in their days of employment, subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment.
Officials from my department engaged with the company on this matter and I understand that an agreed process is in place so that outstanding information required to finalise decisions on social welfare entitlements will be provided by the company to their employees as quickly as possible. It is expected that this will be completed this week.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will prioritise decisions on these applications on receipt of this information so that claims are put into payment as quickly as possible.
Decisions around entitlement to social welfare claims for periods prior to the introduction of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme on 1 September will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and the Department will notify each individual of the outcome of its decision.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie
Finally, any legal obligations that an employer may have to their employees regarding the terms, conditions or entitlements of their employment, including pay, is a matter for the employer.
I trust this clarifies the position.
