Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020
210. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to lift the moratorium on redundancy following temporary periods of lay-off and short-time work due to Covid-19, which has been extended until 30 November 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30491/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to extend the emergency measure relating to an employee's entitlement to claim redundancy from their employer following temporary lay-off or short-time work which arose as a result of Covid-19 was a difficult one. I know many employees who have been laid off are experiencing great uncertainty but, in making this decision, the Government had to consider the need to ensure businesses survive, which in turn ensures further permanent job losses are avoided as much as possible.
This emergency provision, Section 12A of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, was enacted in order to ensure the future viability of businesses and help prevent permanent job losses. As a result of Covid-19 there have been immediate and unprecedented volumes of temporary lay-off and short time work situations. Under the existing provisions these lay-off and short-time situations could result in significant redundancy claims on employers in a very short period of time. Employers are obliged to pay redundancy entitlements to employees who have been temporarily laid off or placed on short-time work after a period of time. In light of the on-going emergency situation, the Government decided to extend the temporary suspension until 30th November 2020 in order to support businesses in continuing to recover and re-open and plan their future staffing requirements.
A decision has not been made yet on whether this emergency provision will continue after the 30th November and it will require discussion at Government level. In its deliberations the Government will have regard to the criteria and principles underpinning the emergency provision and the public health and labour market situations.
