PUP CLAIMS UP IN THREE COUNTIES IN LOCKDOWN

THE number of people claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) in Kildare, Laois and Offaly has increased since a local lockdown was imposed in the three counties.

The number of people receiving the benefit overall, however, has dropped by more than 60%, as businesses continue to reopen elsewhere in the country.

Latest figures show that the reintroduction of restrictions in Kildare, Laois and Offaly – which saw the closure of businesses such as restaurants – saw a slight rise in the number of people there collecting the PUP.

The Department of Social Protection yesterday issued payments valued at €71.7million to 230,400 people, representing a decrease of 2,000 on the 232,400 people paid last week.

It also marks a drop of over 61% on the 598,000 paid at its peak on May 5.

In the past seven days alone, 6,800 people have closed their claim for a PUP, while around 3,300 will be receiving their final payment today.

The top sectors in which employees are returning to work this week are Accommodation and Food Services; Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and motorcycles; and Construction and Administrative and Support Service activities.

Meanwhile, the largest cohort returning to work is in the 35-44 age group.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that while it is positive that people are continuing to return to work, it is clear the rate of decrease has slowed recently.

Speaking about Kildare, Laois and Offaly, she said: ’I recognise that the people of these counties were asked to make huge sacrifices to save lives.’