THE Government has pledged that workers who cannot get childcare will continue to receive Covid-19 payments - but one law expert warns many parents could lose their jobs within weeks.
Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty has promised that the Government will support parents who cannot return to work because of a lack of childcare.
Many retailers around the country reopened their doors on Monday, which has enabled tens of thousands of employees to return to work.
And if salons and barbers reopen on June 29, as they hope to do, the 25,000 people employed in the sector will also be able to return to work.
While many have worked from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, those working in sectors such as retail and salons cannot do so.
But while people are returning to work, creches are remaining closed until June 29 - and then, only opening for essential workers. This could leave many parents in limbo.
But Ms Doherty has pledged that parents who cannot return to work because of childcare issues can still claim the Covid-19 payment.
Ms Doherty told RTÉ Radio 1’s Today with Sarah McInerney show: “We have to continue to support parents when they can go back to work.
“But if they can’t go back to work because of the obvious restrictions around childcare, we have to continue to support them until they can.
“I want to reassure people the department will be there to support them until they can go back to work.”
The minister said the pandemic payment scheme has been extended to Phase 5.
And she said that any extension beyond then will have to be made by the next government.
But one legal expert fears that many parents could lose their jobs within the coming weeks, as the economy reopens.
Employment law solicitor Richard Grogan said parents who cannot work from home, such as retail and salon workers, have few rights now that businesses are reopening.
And with creches still closed - and only opening for essential workers on June 29 - many parents now have no one to look after their children.
Because of this, some must still remain at home, and depend on the good graces of their employer, Mr Grogan said.
He told RTE Radio 1’s Today with Sarah McInerney: “If you’ve got a child, somebody has to mind the child.
“The parents are going to be called back to work and if they can’t go back to work, well then ultimately, an employer is going to say, I’m sorry, you’ve abandoned the workplace.”
Mr Grogan added: “If you have a child or if you have a disability, an employer does have to take account of that and they have to see what can be done.
“But if you’re working in a shop or you’re a hairdresser, you can’t work remotely. It’s impossible.
“So this is a real, real concern. A lot of people are going to lose their jobs.”
