Businesses that are forced to shut up shop during the COVID-19 outbreak will be allowed to top-up State payments for their employees.
The Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said employers that have to cease trading and temporally lay off staff can pay them €203 and receive a refund from the State.
She confirmed this evening that they will also be permitted to top up that payment to guarantee their employees a higher rate of income throughout the crisis.
She said the details are currently being finalised with the Department of Enterprise and will be announced early next week.
She said both departments are agreed that “employers engaged with the scheme should be allowed to top up the payment by the State.
“This will further strengthen the viability of the scheme and ensure that many employers can provide some additional income above the basic social welfare payment for their workers,” she said.
“The Coronavirus outbreak is presenting unprecedented challenges to society and to state agencies but we are determined to meet each challenge with effective solutions and speed as much as we can.
“I am delighted that, in this regard, we have been able to address this issue.”
The Business Minister Heather Humphreys said every business in Ireland contributes to the economy, adding “we will support them all in tackling the challenges they currently face.”
