Almost 10,000 people closed their Pandemic Unemployment Payments last week - as Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys issued a fresh warning about scam calls.
This week, the Department of Social Protection issued weekly payments valued at €62.7 million to 211,847 people in receipt of the PUP.
The number of recipients represents a decrease of 9,241 people compared to last week. The largest reduction, of over 3,700 was in the Accommodation and Food Services Sector.
Minister Humphreys urged anyone who finds themselves out of work to consider availing of the employment supports announced this week as part of the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy.
Minister Humphreys said: “Pathways to Work sets out our ambitious plans to support tens of thousands of people into employment. With 83 key commitments, this strategy is about leaving nobody behind and ensuring that work is available for all our citizens.
“Whether it is access to advice or training, or paid work experience under our new Work Placement Experience Programme, Pathways to Work will give people the support they need to find sustainable, quality employment.
“Of course, for people who are still waiting for their sector to re-open and their jobs to return, the PUP will continue to be available.
“But for others who require support in finding new employment, my Department is here to help. I would encourage anyone in this position to contact their local Intreo Centre.”
Commenting on today’s specific PUP figures, Minister Humphreys added:
“Since February, over 270,000 people have closed their PUP accounts as they returned to work.
“Today’s fall in numbers further demonstrates the progress we are making in re-opening our economy and getting businesses back open.
“Over the coming weeks, we can expect the overall number of recipients to fall further, particularly as we move to re-open indoor hospitality.
“The Government’s overarching approach will continue to be one that is cautious and prioritises the health of our citizens.
“While we are making great progress, we must carefully monitor the trajectory of this virus in the weeks and months to come.”
Over 7,500 people closed their Pandemic Unemployment Payment in the past seven days stating that they were doing because they are returning to work.
Scam Phone Calls and Scam Texts
Customers and members of the public are reminded about scam phone calls and text messages they may receive from individuals claiming to be an official of the Department.
These calls and texts display a range of numbers, including some which may appear to be from the Department’s phone numbers. The Department would like to remind all its customers that it will never seek personal information from customers via text message and will never ask a customer for their bank details over the phone.
Any person who receives such a call or text is asked not to disclose any information and to report it to the Gardaí immediately.
