Restore pandemic unemployment pay to €350 - Sherlock

THE pandemic unemployment payment which has just been reduced should be restored to €350 per week as the country is in the throes of a renewed surge in the virus, Labour’s Seán Sherlock has argued.

The PUP payment was reduced this month from €350 to €300 for those earning more than €300 per week and to €250 a week for those on less than €200 per week. Those who earned less than €200 per week will retain their entitlement to €203 a week - the same payment as a person who’s unemployed.

According to the Mallow based Cork East TD, who is Labour’s Social Protection spokesman, the payments must be restored to €350 immediately as new restrictions are imposed in Dublin and those working in sectors such as events throughout the country remain under ongoing restrictions.

“There is an urgent need now to reverse the cut to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment that came into force last week.

“While numbers on the payment had been falling, with new restrictions due to be introduced that will impact on many sectors, incomes must be protected, as more people will now need support.

“Anyone who loses their job or ability to earn an income this weekend because of a move to Level three should be provided with the same PUP level payment that was granted earlier in the year,” said the Deputy

“With PUP payments going in one direction, and restrictions in another, now is the time to protect incomes and give people security.”

At the pandemic’s previous peak, approximately 600,000 people were on some form of payment.

An open letter from the entertainment industry group EPIC last week called for the reversal of the cut due to the industry being unable to reopen thus far.

It has also sought the implementation of a number of other measures including a stimulus package for the events industry throughout Ireland.

The call came as online events were organised throughout the country to mark Culture Night.