Up to 2,000 social welfare recipients are to receive significant increases in allowances from tomorrow because of changes in the Back to Work scheme.
The scheme allows long-term unemployed people in certain areas to retain their unemployment assistance for a year if they become self-employed. However, outside the so-called "partnership" areas this was reduced by 25 per cent.
From tomorrow, the 25 per cent reduction will no longer apply, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, announced.