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Numbers Claiming Pandemic Unemployment Payment In The Midlands Drops By 3,000

Monday, 13 July 2020 13:14

Cabinet is considering a loophole in the payment.

3,000 fewer people in the midlands will receive the pandemic unemployment payment in the midlands this week.

It's the largest weekly reduction in the number drawing the €350 a week payment since the economy re-opened.

In total 15,700 remain on the scheme in the region, 6,300 in Westmeath and 5,700 in both Laois and Offaly.

Nationally, there's been the largest drop in the number of people claiming the pandemic unemployment payment since it was established.

67,000 who were claiming the payment last week are now back to work.

Cabinet will also consider a memo today that will fix a hole in the legislation that meant people on the pandemic payment were not building up PRSI contributions.

It could have had impacts for maternity and illness benefits as well as people's pensions - but will be remedied with new legislation.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys welcomed the news that more people are getting back to work and leaving the payments:

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