Government to cut pandemic payment for part-time workers

THE government is set to make significant cuts to the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) for part-time workers.

The €350-per-week payment will be cut to €203 in line with the jobseeker’s allowance paid to the unemployed.

A slash in the payment will represent a 42 per cent cut for part-time workers.

The move comes as the government aims to reduce the ever-swelling welfare bill due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The payment for full-time workers, due to end on Monday, will be extended, but is set to be phased out as Social Protection Minister regina Doherty prepares to unveil plans to the Cabinet.

Currently, there are 543,200 people claiming the pandemic unemployment payment.