PUP to return as new restrictions hit jobs
SOCIAL Protection Minister Heather Humphreys announced the reintroduction of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for those affected by the new restrictions announced yesterday.
As the restrictions are expected to cause further damage to several industries, Minister Humphreys said she decided ‘to reopen for a limited period to support people who lose employment arising from the new restrictions’.
She said: ‘I know many workers in the hospitality sector will be worried. My department is finalising arrangements and full details will be announced, and the scheme will be ready for new applicants by Tuesday.’
The announcement comes as industry officials met the Taoiseach yesterday in what the chief
‘People can’t take much more’
executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian
Cummins, called a ‘constructive, robust meeting’.
However, restaurants and businesses have criticised the new restrictions as ‘extremely damaging’ to the hospitality industry.
Richard Guiney, chief executive of business group DublinTown, said: ‘Retailers, restaurants, bars, hotels and traders depend on the Christmas season to survive and the Government urgently needs to support these businesses. We have spent billions of euro maintaining these businesses so far and we cannot fail them now.
‘This virus is not going away and we need a proper plan on how to live with Covid safely and this constant cycle of closures and restrictions must end. The economy, society and people’s mental health can’t take much more,’ he said.
Meanwhile, director of the Small Firms Association Sven Spollen-Behrens called for more Government supports.
‘Business has been told time and again over the past number of weeks that there would be no cliff edge in the pandemic supports. However, businesses, particularly in the experience economy, now find themselves at the precipice. A reduction in venue capacity will make these events unviable and will likely lead to the cancellation of gigs, theatre, trade shows and other live performances,’ he said.
‘The EWSS [Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme] must not be tapered off. CRSS [Covid Restrictions Support Scheme] must be extended while Covid restrictions remain in place. Furthermore, sufficient financial support must be put in place for the many small businesses who do not qualify for either scheme. Many small businesses depend on the Christmas trading season as a lifeline for the rest of the year. With this trading period now effectively gone, the State must step in to ensure a wave of permanent closures does not happen.’
Restaurateur Mike Ryan said he’s lost around 90% of corporate bookings already and fears more cancellations after hearing that indoor gatherings will be limited to six people.
‘It’s highly, highly frustrating. This can’t go on forever, the way we’re opening and closing. No restaurant in the country right now is a viable operation.
‘How do we live with the public health advice and having a hospitality sector that’s viable? Covid’s not going anywhere fast.’