There will be 200 fewer people receiving the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Donegal this week.
The number of workers on the emergency payment in Donegal has fallen to 6,500. This represents a 70% decrease from the 22,700 total at the worst of the Covid-19 crisis.
The Department of Social Protection issued payments valued at €68.6 million to 219,900 people today for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
In the past seven days, 9,265 people have closed their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Some 6,256 will be receiving their final payment tomorrow, 8th September.
The top sector in which employees are returning to work this week is Education with 1,500 going back to work, followed by Accommodation and Food Services; and Transportation and Storage sectors.
The largest age cohort returning to work is in the 45-54 group (1,800). This is followed by 1,700 in the 35-44 age category and 1,600 aged 55 and over.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, T.D., commented: “It is encouraging to see more and more people close their Pandemic Unemployment Payment as they go back.
“The drop this week is mainly attributed to people returning to work in the Education sector.
“I wish to acknowledge the huge effort made by all involved in this sector whose work and determination have enabled our schools to re-open after being closed for so long.”
Minister Humphreys continued: “It remains incumbent on each one of us to ensure that we follow the guidelines from NPHET by maintaining our social distancing, washing our hands and wearing a face mask when travelling on public transport and when in shops and other public facilities.
“By adhering to these public health guidelines, we can keep the Covid-19 virus at bay and help make our homes, schools and workplaces safe for each other.”