Unions urge Taoiseach not to reduce PUP levels

The trade union movement has urged the Government not to reduce the level of the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) for workers in parts of the economy that have not yet resumed operations.

In a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and the leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan on the next phase of the return to work, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) said workers in sectors as yet not operational due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions should not be denied full pandemic unemployment payments "as the prevailing circumstances continue to be outside of their control".

The Government is planning to reduce the amounts paid out under the PUP scheme from September, with the €350 weekly rate reducing to €300.

Ictu general secretary Patricia King also urged the Government to consider introducing ongoing advice to employers on the operation of a blended model of working – partly at home and partly in the workplace – on a voluntary basis for the coming months.

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“This we believe would assist those workers who will need to readjust their care arrangements. It will also reduce the pressure on public transport facilities and, furthermore, will contribute positively to the compliance with social distancing and ventilation measures which no doubt will be required awhile this virus continues to be active.”

Crowding

Ms King also said many Ictu-affiliated unions had raised concerns in relation to workers having to travel to and from the workplace on public transport and possible “crowding and social distancing challenges” on these services.

“We would suggest that some consideration be given to the provision of Government guidance relating to staggered work arrangements being put in place, particularly in the early phase of this return.”

Ictu said it backed the Government’s non-mandatory approach to the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“While some workplace conflict can be expected on this subject it is our view that such exigencies should be managed within an overall framework agreement with the employer side.”