Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 June 2023
133. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration is being given alongside the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, respectively, to the introduction of a short-term employment support model similar to the German Kurzarbeit scheme, especially in view of the threat of 650 layoffs at a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30064/23]
View answer140. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration is being given to the reform of supports for workers who are placed on temporary layoff as reported previously, especially in light of the threat of 650 layoffs at a company (details supplied); if she will give consideration to the introduction of a model similar to the German Kurzarbeit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30063/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 140 together.
Pathways to Work 2021-2025, the national employment services strategy, commits that “Building on the EWSS/TWSS and drawing on existing international models, explore the possibility of introducing a new Short-Time Work Support scheme to enable employers retain people on their payroll in response to short-duration shocks to employment.” The strategy further states that this includes considering "a range of international short-time work support schemes such as the German ‘Kurzarbeit’ and the French ‘Chômage partiel / activité partielle’.”
Short-Time Work Support is currently available under the Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme to assist employees in cases where their working days are reduced by their employer on a temporary and systematic basis.
Further to commitments made in the Programme for Government, the Economic Recovery Plan and Pathways to Work, I published a Strawman document for public consultation in December 2022 which sets out the broad parameters of a possible approach to a new pay-related jobseeker's benefit scheme. This Strawman document also requested feedback on the possible introduction of a new Short-Time Work Scheme, which could be paid via employers and on a pay-related basis rather than the flat-rate structure at present. All feedback received will be considered in the context of the development of any new scheme proposals that may be submitted to Government.
In addition, Pathways to Work commits to carrying out a formal Mid-Term strategy review this year with the support of the Labour Market Advisory Council. This process, which includes public consultation, will allow the Government to focus on medium to longer term priorities in the labour market. The Mid-Term Review will be published by year end.
