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<h1></h1>Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA), has today launched a new phase of the MentorsWork initiative aimed at guiding Irish SMEs through their current business challenges towards stabilisation and recovery, six months on from the outbreak of COVID-19. MentorsWork is also supported by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and Microfinance Ireland.The MentorsWork eight-week business support programme is free to SMEs nationwide and is designed to provide the skills and supports to help business owner-managers sustain and improve their business. The programme offers integrated learning supports across four key pillars; People, Finance and Growth, Digitalisation and Automation and Business Processes, all which help businesses to adapt and thrive by improving skills and competencies.MentorsWork will connect business owners and managers across Ireland with experienced and skilled business mentors to address specific business issues on a one-to-one basis. The programme also offers specialist masterclasses and access to a bespoke online learning platform specially designed for SMEs.Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD, said:<blockquote>&quot;The development of a highly skilled workforce and supporting our vital SME base is a key objective for the government. MentorsWork from Skillnet Ireland offers SMEs expert support in overcoming current challenges and achieving their full potential. I would urge every small and medium sized enterprise to participate in these supports which are delivered by industry for industry.&quot;</blockquote>Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive Paul Healy said:<blockquote>&quot;The COVID-19 crisis has brought significant challenges for businesses. Working with the SFA, we want to support businesses to navigate the challenges they are facing by offering them supports that are targeted at their specific needs. The opportunity to gain expert advice and insight through the MentorsWork programme is essential to drive sustainable long-term recovery across the SME sector.&quot;</blockquote>Launching MentorsWork, Graham Byrne, SFA Chair, said:<blockquote>&quot;MentorsWork is an initiative led by the SFA, in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, and designed in consultation with Irish businesses. Together we want to meet the needs of SMEs and offer them our full support at this challenging time.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;We are delighted to have developed a programme that not only connects vastly experienced mentors with businesses to affect real change, but also incorporates expert-led workshops, access to a self-paced learning portal and the development of a bespoke business plan. We are calling on SMEs, across Ireland, to sign up and avail of this opportunity to seek expert advice, free of charge, to help their business not only adapt but thrive.&quot;</blockquote>Gina Murphy, owner of Hugo’s restaurant Merrion Row, has previously participated in the programme:<blockquote>&quot;As a business owner, you’re expected to be a leader, but nothing prepares you to lead during a global pandemic. I needed someone to advise me and offer reassurance that I was taking the right next steps. The help and guidance provided through MentorsWork was fantastic – the fact that someone was listening and providing practical advice that I could implement right away made a huge difference. As a business we now have a plan to get back up and running.&quot;</blockquote>With up to 300 places available in this new phase of the scheme, the MentorsWork initiative is open to SME business owners and leaders operating across Ireland and in all sectors of the economy. The programme is free of charge and open to private sector businesses that employ between 5-250 people.Business owners and managers can apply to participate in MentorsWork at <a href="www.mentorswork.ie">www.mentorswork.ie</a>.From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science <ul><li>MentorsWork initiative offers expert business mentoring and targeted upskilling supports to SMEs on key business challenges, developing pathways to recovery</li><li>MentorsWork four key pillars - People, Finance and Growth, Digitalisation and Automation and Business Processes</li><li>**the new phase of the MentorsWork initiative has a longer-term focus for SMEs, to help them thrive, by addressing the specific needs of individual business</li><li>free places available to support SMEs operating across Ireland in all business sectors</li></ul>

Free Online business support programme launched for SMEs 

<h2>The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, T.D., has today secured Government approval to keep the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) open to new applicants until the end of 2020. </h2>It also means that anyone unfortunate enough to be laid off for a second time will be able to avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.Commenting on the extension, Minister Humphreys said:“The PUP has been shown to be an extremely effective tool in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19 and in cushioning the population from sudden income shocks.“The Government has agreed to my proposal to keep the scheme open to new applicants until the end of the year.“With the continuing uncertainty posed by Covid-19, I believe keeping PUP open is a fair and appropriate course of action at this time.”Extension of the waiver on waiting days for jobseeker paymentsMinister Humphreys has also secured Government approval to extend the waiver on waiting days for Jobseeker payments until 2021.Ordinarily, when a person makes an application for a jobseeker’s benefit or allowance, payment is not made for the first three days of unemployment, called &#39;waiting days’. These waiting days will continue to be waived on applications for Jobseeker’s payments until 2021.Minister Humphreys said:“The extension of the waiver on waiting days for jobseeker’s payments ensures that people who lose their employment and claim a jobseeker’s payment are provided with income support immediately. I am happy to secure this important measure to mitigate the financial impact on people and their families at this time.”<h2>Changes to Payment Rates</h2>As was announced as part of the July Jobs Stimulus package the Pandemic Unemployment Payment rates will change on the 17th September 2020, 1st February 2021 and on 1st April 2021.From 17th September 2020 the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will move from 2 rates of payment to 3 rates.The rate a recipient will receive will depend on the amount they previously earned:• If they earned over €300 per week - they will now receive €300 per week.• If they earned between €200 and €300 per week - the rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will now be €250 per week; and• If they earned less than €200 per week - the rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €203 per week (there is no change to this rate).Recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will see the impact of these changes in their bank accounts on Tuesday, September 22nd.Individuals do not need to contact the Department about their earnings. The Department has access to this information from the Revenue Commissioners and will be contacting PUP recipients in advance of these changes informing them of their new rate of payment.<h2></h2>

You can still claim Pandemic Payment 

Redundancies provisions relating to temp lay-offs and short-time work have been extended until November 30th. This could mean that workers who were laid off since March will be denied their right to invoke redundancy. So if you take a job in the meantime you could lose out on redundancy payments if you take on another job. For some workers this could be a massive loss – imagine working over 10 years in a business or organisation and giving that up?Some workers feel they would be better off staying unemployed until November and getting what they deserve, as it’s unclear whether a laid-off worker, who cannot afford to wait to be re-hired takes on another job, loses his/her entitlement to redundancy lump sum payments from their original employer. Many of which may have built up many years of service.Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, an employee who is laid off normally has the right to demand redundancy if the employer is unable to guarantee work within a certain period but recent amendments have changed this.Minister Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection said in the announcement yesterday that measures are aimed at protecting businesses and preventing permanent job losses. She acknowledged that the decision will be met with competing views, but added that it is necessary in order to protect businesses and prevent permanent job losses.Commenting on the decision by Cabinet to agree to a further extension until 30th November, Minister Humphreys said:“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the impact Covid-19 has had on businesses, many of whom have been forced to close, as well as employees who have been temporarily laid off. “Today’s decision to extend these provisions was a difficult one. But in making this decision, we had to consider the need to ensure businesses survive and that permanent job losses are avoided as much as possible.“I know many employees who have been laid off are experiencing great uncertainty. It’s important to note that the right to claim redundancy has not been permanently removed. Employees who remain on lay-off or short-time work for the requisite period when this emergency measure expires will be entitled to exercise their right to claim redundancy from their employer.“Whether you’re an employer or an employee, we are all in this together. As a Government, we will continue to listen to all stakeholders as part of our combined efforts aimed at suppressing this virus.”The suspension of the redundancy provisions was brought into effect from 13th March 2020 under Part 8 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 in order to ensure the future viability of businesses and help prevent further permanent job losses.It is considered that an extension of the end-date continues to be important for employees to ensure that they have a continued link to their job and a pathway to return. For employers, many still regard their businesses as being temporarily closed or they are operating well below their capacity.Minister Humphreys continues to believe that extending the end date further will help prevent redundancies at a time when the labour force as a whole is facing a significant challenge with some 210,000 people in receipt of Pandemic Unemployment Payment and a further 32,200 employers have registered with Revenue for the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme in respect of their employees.Additional redundancies would expose businesses to further debt at a time when they are facing considerable trading difficulties and have a serious impact on the potential for a business to recover.The further extension until 30th November is necessary to continue to mitigate against the risk of insolvency and bankruptcy situations and further job losses, and will contribute to the viability of business.Minister Humphreys reminded workers that this extension only affects redundancy payments by delaying the date to 30th November, when an employee can trigger a redundancy if they have been laid-off or put on short-time work for a period. All other redundancy provisions remain unchanged and in force. If an employer is going to make an employee redundant, protections such as notice periods for redundancy and the payment of a redundancy lump-sum to the affected employee still apply and the existing suite of employment rights legislation remains in place.If employees believe their employment rights have been breached the Workplace Relations Commission remains fully operational and can provide advice to employees on how to obtain redress where appropriate.For more announcements like this head over to gov.ie or for jobs check out www.jobalert.ie

Redundancy Rights further extended, leaving some workers in limbo

<h2>Do you run childminding services from your own home?</h2>Check out the Childminder Development Grant, it provides up to €1,000 to assist childminders to enhance the quality and safety of the valuable service your provide through the purchase of small capital items such as equipment, toys or minor adaptation costs. The grant is also available to new or prospective childminders with their initial set-up costs.In addition to the Childminder Development Grant, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs this year also approved reopening grants to both childminders and centre-based services, to assist with the additional costs of reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government are also finalising a Childminding Action Plan that will set out plans for bespoke training, regulations and supports. We can help you to find childminding practitioners, for more information click <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/employers">HERE</a> or of course if you are looking for a childminding opportunity search for roles <a href="www.jobalert.ie">HERE</a>Setting up a Childminding ServiceHere&#39;s some points to review if you are thinking of setting up your own childminding service;Scope out the hours of ServiceDecide how you want to run your Childminding service, full-time or part-time? Research ratesWhat will your rates be? A good place to start is by carrying out some research into the going rates in your area.Plan out adaptions that you may need to make to your homeGet your home ready – Child proof the house and make sure you have enough toys and equipment!Registering your Business?Find out if you should register with, Tusla or if you can notify your local Childcare Committee.You must register with Revenue as self-employed within a year of starting.Garda VettingYou must get Garda Vetting as a Childminder. Parents of course will expect it and evidence of Garda Vetting for Childminding is a mandatory requirement for registration with Tusla.InsuranceMake sure you have appropriate insurance.AdvertisingPrepare simple advertising – you can advertise on Childminding websites or put a small ad in local shops, toddler groups or on Facebook. But remember, word of mouth often works best!Parent AgreementsDevelop a working agreement to use with parents. It will help to clarify arrangements so that everything runs smoothly.You can use your working agreement to discuss the care needed and your approach to managing your service. Maybe you could also allow some pre visits to ensure that the child will settle in.Best of luck and for further information check out the regulations in relation to pre-school childcare services <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/pre_school_education_and_childcare/health_safety_and_welfare_of_preschool_childcare_services.html#:~:text=A%20childminder%20can%20care%20for,in%20the%20minder&#39;s%20own%20home.">HERE</a>

Up to €1,000 grant to assist Childminders operating from their own homes?

A Bachelor’s Degree can earn you 81% More

<h2>Win FREE Student Accommodation in Dublin City Centre for a year - 3 rooms up for grabs at Point Campus</h2><h2></h2><h2>Straight to the point!</h2><h3>The Point Campus want to make next year the best yet for three lucky students.</h3><h3>They&#39;re now giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 rooms to live completely rent free for the academic year 20/21.</h3><h2>About Point Campus</h2>Make your mark at Dublin’s hottest student accommodation, Point Campus!Located at Point Village in the Docklands area of Dublin City Centre, Point Campus is a place you will want to call home!The accommodation offers students modern, spacious surroundings with great facilities. Residents have the use of a gym, fitness studio, cinema rooms and laundry facilities. In addition large common areas, generous study spaces and rooftop terraces are all incorporated.Rent includes your furnished room with double bed and en-suite. A shared kitchen and living area is also included in each apartment with TV, plus 100MB Wi-Fi and all bills are included!<h1></h1><h1>Spaces</h1>The interior and exterior spaces at Point Campus are designed to help you live well. Communal spaces help you socialise and relax; study zones are ergonomic. Facilities include a gym and fitness studio, cinema, games room and outside courtyards. The finishing touch? Some pretty inspiring views from the rooftop gardens.<h1></h1><h1>Rooms</h1>Bedroom space is carefully calibrated to support both study and relaxation time, with desk areas, double beds and en-suite bathrooms. Classic rooms (Clusters) are centred around their spacious communal kitchen/lounge areas. Studios are self-contained, with their own in-room kitchen and lounge space.<h1></h1>Peace of mindPoint Campus has 24-hour security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site at all times. Flexible Booking at Point CampusBook a 40 or 51 week tenancy at Point Campus today, and if your university or higher education institute’s Autumn 2020 term dates are pushed back to a later date, due to COVID-19, Point Campus will credit you for the weeks not required from the start of your tenancy.DON’T WORRY... If you book now, you can still enter! Should you be one of the lucky competition winners, you will get a full refund!No Place, No Pay!If you book a room at Point Campus today, but don’t get the grades or an offer from a Dublin university, and no longer require the room then you won&#39;t have to pay a cent!.Refer a friendRecommend a friend who goes on to book a room at Point Campus for the September 2020/21 academic year and be eligible for €500 cashback or rental discount.To be eligible for the offer students must contact Host and provide the name and contact information of the person that they are recommending to take a room at Point Campus. This must be done prior to, or at the time of booking.AND NOT FORGETTING... our loyal existing residents. You too could be starting back at university with free accommodation for the year - no costs, no hassle. To enter:<ol><li>Simply complete the entry form</li><li>Receive a confirmation email</li><li>Keep an eye on your emails and winners will be contacted on the 1st of October 2020</li></ol><h2></h2>So complete that entry form by <a href="https://stayatpointcampus.ie/?utm_source=Search&amp;utm_medium=Paid&amp;utm_term=Comp2020&amp;utm_content=Keyword&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuIbBy9jS6wIVk2DmCh3wOANnEAAYAiAAEgJalvD_BwE">CLICKING HERE</a> and think positive thoughts!Read more about the Point Campus <a href="https://pointcampus.ie/">HERE</a>

FREE Student Accommodation up for grabs - Dublin Point Campus

The HSE will be seeking applications for paid roles in testing, swabbing and contact tracing in the coming weeks. HSE urges public to apply for these paid testing and contact tracing roles. The average number of tests carried out per day last week was 12,000 and almost 62,000 tests have been completed across the 46 labs in the last week.Meanwhile, HSE officials have reported that one in four people are not showing up for their Covid-19 appointment, prompting concerns about the risk of spreading the virus.Figures show that around 25% of people who have been given appointments for a Covid-19 test are failing to appear, when people are not availing of their scheduled test it means someone else is losing out.HSE chief operations officer Anne O’Connor said: “On a daily basis you can have 3,000 or 4,000 appointments, so if a quarter of those aren’t turning up that is a significant number of appointments.Figures show that the average number of new positive cases over the past seven days is 120 per day, up from 104 from the previous week.Over 375 HSE corporate staff have been deployed to testing and contact tracing. A significant number of clinical staff were also deployed to take swabs when health services were stood down in the early days of Covid-19. HSE CEO Paul Reid said that the HSE will be seeking applications for paid roles in testing, swabbing and contact tracing in the coming weeks and he has urged the public to apply for these roles as soon as they are advertised.At this morning’s HSE briefing, Reid said that 3,000 tests have been completed among meat plant workers as part of the HSE’s serial testing programme, with a positivity rate of 0.4%.Testing will be expanded to workers in other food processing sectors such as fish and mushrooms, he said. Plans for serial testing in Direct Provision centres, which have seen a number of outbreaks in recent weeks, are “well commenced”.Stay posted, as soon as recruitment opens we’ll share the link.

HSE will be recruiting for testing, swabbing and contact tracing roles

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin TD have launched the Stay and Spend scheme.Stay and Spend is a tax scheme aimed at consumers to help drive sales in the hospitality sector during the off-season which has been negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19.The scheme will provide a maximum of €125 in income tax credits to tax-payers who spend up to €625 in restaurants, pubs, hotels, B&amp;Bs and other qualifying businesses, from Autumn 2020 through to Spring 2021, including over the Christmas period.The taxpayer can submit receipts via the newly updated and easy-to-use Revenue Receipts Tracker mobile app.Speaking at the launch of the Stay and Spend Scheme, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said,<blockquote>“This government is determined to support businesses across Ireland which have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. While many sectors have taken a hit, the hospitality industry is undoubtedly one of the worst affected by the public health measures which have had to be imposed to stop the spread of the virus.</blockquote><blockquote>We recognise the strain that restaurant owners, hoteliers, bar and café owners are under and have taken steps to help them through this difficult period. The Stay and Spend scheme will encourage people to go out for a meal or take a staycation and support the Irish hospitality sector by enabling them to claim back 20% of their spend.</blockquote><blockquote>The tourism and hospitality sector is so important in this country; Ireland’s reputation as a prime tourist destination is built on the hard work and dedication of those working in the industry. We need to protect these jobs and businesses and the government has put in a range of supports through the July Stimulus plan and other measures to help them recover from the effects of Covid-19.</blockquote><blockquote>I’m encouraging all eligible businesses to register with Revenue so that they can participate in the scheme next month”.</blockquote>The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said:<blockquote>“The hospitality sector has been particularly badly hit as a result of the necessary public health restrictions put in place to tackle COVID-19.</blockquote><blockquote>The sector is vital to the Irish economy and accounts for over 10% of the country’s workforce. The purpose of the Stay and Spend scheme is to support this sector.</blockquote><blockquote>This measure is just one part of the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus, which also includes the wage subsidy schemes and the recent reduction in the VAT rate. This new tax credit will provide a much-needed boost to the hospitality sector through the autumn and winter months by encouraging people to spend whether through a staycation or eating out.</blockquote><blockquote>The scheme comes into effect on the 1st of October, but accommodation and food businesses can now register with the Revenue commissioners to participate.</blockquote><blockquote>I am confident that this measure will support the sector as it moves towards recovery.”</blockquote>Also commenting, Minister Catherine Martin welcomed the Stay and Spend Scheme. She said:<blockquote>“The Stay and Spend Scheme will offer a much-needed boost to the tourism sector during the shoulder and off season. To maximise the benefit to the sector, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to commence a national campaign across radio and press next week to inform the general public about the scheme and help them understand how they can avail of the tax credit. Fáilte will also be helping tourism businesses get the message out to potential customers that they have registered for the scheme.”</blockquote>The Stay and Spend Scheme is being supported by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, who will both promote the scheme to consumers and encourage businesses to register to participate with a national radio and press campaign kicking off on Saturday, 5th September.The Stay and Spend Scheme runs from 1st October to the 30th April.To find out more, and view the list of participating businesses visit www.revenue.ie. You can download the new Revenue Receipts Tracker App in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.Registration to participate in the scheme is now open for tourism accommodation and food and beverage businesses through Revenue’s Online Service, ROS.Summary of Stay and Spend SchemeAt the level of individual taxpayer:<ul><li>Relief on accommodation and food, including soft drinks, but not including alcohol.</li><li>In the case of food, consumption on the premises is required.</li><li>A minimum spend of €25 per person per time/ Maximum spend limit of €625 (VAT inclusive) over life of scheme,</li><li>Refund of 20% of the vouched cost through income tax i.e. maximum tax credit of €125 per person. (For married couples who are jointly assessed, the maximum spend over the life of the scheme will €1,250).</li><li>Where an individual or jointly assessed tax-payer has insufficient income tax liability to fully benefit from the measure, they may still avail of the relief against their USC contributions.</li><li>Operated through downloadable easy-to-use Revenue mobile phone app.</li></ul>At the level of the business:<ul><li>VAT registered provider with current tax clearance.</li></ul>Duration:<ul><li>Scheme will run from 1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021, including over the Christmas period. The expiry date may be altered by order made by the Minister for Finance.</li></ul>Purpose of the schemeThe purpose of the scheme is to incentivise taxpayers to support registered/accredited providers of accommodation and/or food during the off-season, thus providing support to a particularly vulnerable sector.Qualification CriteriaBusinesses: In order to qualify for participation in the scheme, businesses will need to:<ul><li>be registered for VAT,</li><li>have a current tax clearance certificate,</li><li>be accredited/registered with relevant official bodies as appropriate (Fáilte Ireland and the HSE Environmental Health Service),</li><li>register with Revenue to participate, and</li><li>display appropriate signage indicating participation in the scheme.</li></ul>Individual taxpayers: To benefit from the scheme, an individual will need to:<ul><li>register for the scheme by downloading the app and provide his/her name and PPS Number in the course of using the app, and</li><li>have an income tax or USC liability against which the tax credit can be set.</li></ul>Operation of the schemeAn individual taxpayer must spend a minimum of €25 each time on qualifying expenditure (accommodation, food and non-alcoholic drinks) as verified by a receipt from the relevant establishment. The taxpayer will submit the receipt by taking a photograph of same using a mobile phone and submitting same to Revenue using the mobile app. The taxpayer may continue to submit receipts until the cap on expenditure of €625 is reached. Revenue will provide an income tax credit of up to €125 (€625 @20%) per taxpayer (up to €250 in the case of a married couple, jointly assessed) in end of year balancing statement. The taxpayer will get the benefit of the credit in the year after the expenditure is incurred.

Stay and Spend Scheme details to Support the Hospitality Sector

Airbnb are giving remaining Employees options that allow them to temporarily relocate and also flexibility to those who can&#39;t work right now, if they&#39;re caring for a family member due to illness or closure of a care facility etc......the move comes after nearly 1,900 employees from a global workforce of over 7,500 were made redundant back in May. 190 staff in Dublin were impacted by the redundancies at its European headquarters in Grand Canal Docks as a result of the massive decline in its online bookings due to the Covid-19 pandemic.At the start of the pandemic, Airbnb like many other businesses closed their offices immediately to protect the health and safety of their employees around the world. The extension to work remotely through to the end of August 2021 was rolled out to remaining staff. They said they are offering the remote working extension to give employees the ability to plan further ahead and make the choices they need around school calendars, being closer to family, caring for vulnerable family members, and other personal decisions. Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky, said in his statement last month that the company had been “hit hard” by the sudden downturn in business, with revenue this year forecasted to be less than half of what was made in 2019.He said “We are collectively living through the most harrowing crisis of our lifetime, and as it began to unfold, global travel came to a standstill.” The company raised $2 billion (about €1.8 billion) in capital and “dramatically cut costs” in response to the crisis. With such a difficult situation on his hands Chesky sent a transparent and vulnerable message outlining key protections for affected workers as the redundancies were announced. In the letter he said “For a company like us whose mission is centered around belonging, this is incredibly difficult to confront, and it will be even harder for those who have to leave Airbnb,” he went on to reveal exactly how and why the tough decision was made—which can give workers closure—and laid out the many ways the company was going to help those who’ve been terminated.Among those plans:<ul><li>Every US ex-employee will receive a generous severance of 14 weeks’ base pay, plus an additional week’s salary for every year the staffer has been at the company. Many companies give just a week or two per every year worked with no cushion.</li><li>Every departing US employee, even if they haven’t worked the previous minimum of one year, will have equity in the company.</li><li>The company will cover COBRA costs for 12 months, so every US ex-employee keeps their health insurance for another full year.</li><li>Much of the internal recruiting team will be redirected to help secure new external roles for former workers.</li><li>Terminated staffers can keep their company-issued laptops because “a computer is an important tool to find new work.”</li></ul>Besides those truly supportive actions, Brian shared poignant final words to those who were let go:“I am truly sorry. Please know this is not your fault. The world will never stop seeking the qualities and talents that you brought to Airbnb…that helped make Airbnb. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing them with us.” <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/work-from-anywhere-how-airbnb-guests-are-approaching-remote-working/">Source</a>

Temporary relocation and flexible options allowed for Airbnb Employees

Hickeys, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the Republic of Ireland who opened its first outlet in the Northside Shopping Centre in Dublin in 1995 are set to be taken over by Uniphar. Uniphar already operates 229 pharmacies across the country under the Allcare and Life brands and 36 Hickey&#39;s pharmacies will bring that number to 335.The company&#39;s revenue rose by 8.8 per cent in the first half of 2020, bringing it to €871.3 million. Pre-tax profit was also 9 per cent higher (€16.4 million).“We have delivered a strong set of results for H1 2020 in a difficult operating environment, achieving gross profit growth across all our divisions and 5 per cent organic gross profit growth at a group level, while maintaining a strong liquidity and net cash position at the end of the period,” said chief executive Ger Rabbitte. “Our investment in digital solutions combined with diversity in our product and services lines has helped mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on our business and positions us well into the future.”Hickeys which has outlets in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wexford will continue to trade under the Hickeys brand if the Uniphar deal is completed. The group recorded revenues of €27.2 million for the year ending February 28th, 2019, this included a profit of €2.4 million.Hickeys are currently hiring Pharmacy Healthcare Advisors, Support Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Store Manager and Relief Workers.Dublin;Support Pharmacist – O’Connell StreetSupervising Pharmacist, Henry Street, Dublin City CentrePharmacy Healthcare Advisor - CappaghPharmacy Healthcare Advisor – PhibsboroPharmacy Technician - PhibsboroSupport Pharmacist, OngarPharmacy Technician - OngarPharmacy Healthcare Advisor - NeilstownPharmacy Healthcare Advisor - TyrrelstownRelief Pharmacist – South Dublin Kildare:Pharmacy Healthcare Advisor - Maynooth Meath:Pharmacy Technician - NavanPharmacy Store Manager - Navan Shopping CentrePharmacy Healthcare Advisor - Johnstown, Co. Meath For more information on all these roles <a href="https://www.hickeyspharmacies.ie/current-vacancies/">CLICK HERE </a>

Hickeys pharmacy chain set to be taken over by Uniphar.  

Info on Calculated Grades & 1,250 additional college places announced

Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation  : 31 August 2020The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, today announced that €15 million is being made available to reopen the COVID-19 Loan Fund.Speaking today the Tánaiste said:<blockquote>&quot;We’re looking at all the ways we can support enterprise during this really difficult time. This extra money will allow Microfinance Ireland reopen the COVID-19 Loan Fund. This Fund has proven to be a lifeline for micro-enterprises over the past few months, where we’ve seen nearly 700 businesses with fewer than ten employees avail of it. We’ve set out a really significant financial package in the July Stimulus and this loan scheme is another way we’re helping businesses to re-open, stay afloat or expand.&quot;</blockquote>The Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan scheme assists businesses with fewer than ten employees, which have been impacted negatively by COVID-19. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities, which include a six-month repayment free moratorium and the equivalent of one year interest free (subject to terms and conditions) with rates as low as 4.5% for the remaining period of the loan.The Tánaiste recently introduced the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill to provide for the increased funding.The COVID-19 Loan scheme has seen a very strong uptake in recent months, with €18.6 million sanctioned to 683 businesses up to 31 July 2020. This represents three years of normal lending volumes for MFI in a period of just over four months. Importantly, with 79% of MFI’s lending to businesses outside Dublin, MFI provides an essential support for businesses who are hoping to reboot their economic activity over the coming weeks and months in every county in Ireland.Companies interested in applying or finding out more information can contact Microfinance Ireland <a href="https://microfinanceireland.ie/loan-packages-2/covid19/">here</a>. <a href="https://microfinanceireland.ie/loan-packages-2/covid19/"></a>

Tánaiste reopens low cost loan scheme for microenterprises

<h2>Advice from Gov.ie</h2>Multi-Lingual Versions: <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/">HERE</a>Most students will be looking forward to going back to school and will feel happy and excited. Some may feel a little anxious about returning. That’s a normal response at a time of change. Most will settle back in soon once they get used to the new rules and routines. Remind them of the positive aspects of returning – like re-connecting with friends and re-engaging with school activities.New rules and routines to follow to keep everyone safe: Good handwashing and hygiene practice is important for all students.  Make sure your child knows to use a tissue to cover coughs or sneezes or to cough or sneeze into their elbow. In senior primary classes and at post-primary – physical distancing procedures will need to be followed by all.  Primary school – younger children may not be required to practice physical distancing, but they may be organised into pods. There may also be new rules about drop off and pick up. Staff in all schools, and post-primary students, should wear a face covering where a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.Encourage your child to walk or cycle to school if possible and safe to do so. Teachers understand that it hasn’t been easy for young people to study at home during school closures. School transport – students will have an assigned seat and post-primary students will be required to wear a face covering when waiting for and when on-board the bus. Schools will communicate directly with families about reopening. Talk together at home about what to expect when going back to school to prepare your children. Having healthy routines in place will help with the adjustment of returning to school. Encourage your child to gradually return to a school term bedtime routine. Help your child to eat healthily, take exercise and reconnect with friends. Students who have Covid-19 symptoms, including a fever, a cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste should not attend school. Please follow guidance on HSE.ie on self-isolation and phone your doctor. Make sure students know that if they feel unwell in school they should tell their teacher straight away. Official Gov link <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2d3af-advice-during-covid-19-back-to-school-advice-for-parents/">HERE</a>

Back to School Advice during COVID-19 for Parents - (Multi-lingual)  

Notice for 3rd Level Students:A number of weeks ago, the Government provided €15 million to purchase laptops and ipads to help with remote learning and to bridge the digital divide.The Department of Higher Education has ordered almost 17,000 Dell laptops which will now be distributed across our universities, our Institutes of Technology, our ETB’s and a number of Solas funded colleges also.Anyone who needs a laptop and feels they fall into the criteria of disadvantaged student should apply to their college to the Student Services office and they will process your application.

Students to get laptops as part of €168m Covid-19 college fund

Galway City Council is looking for expressions of interest for the former Tourist Office. Salthill has a long and distinguished history as a leading tourism destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a great opportunity for the right occupier to provide a positive impact for Salthill through the re-imagination of this site. Any proposal should benefit Salthill, the community on the West of the City and have a positive impact on the overall economic, tourism and community benefit of Galway.The property comprises of a parcel of land measuring approximately 0.13 hectares facing directly onto the Salthill Promenade and Galway Bay. It also has access off Quincenntennial Drive and is adjacent to the Seapoint Complex and Galway Atlantaquarium. The site enjoys superb views over Galway Bay and is located next to Toft public car park and is well served by public transport.This site has a building that was once a local Tourist Information Office. This modern single storied building is approximately 1915 sq. ft. and occupies a small portion of the site.Land Use Zoning:The site is zoned Recreation and Amenity in the Galway City Development Plan 2017 - 2023. The preferred applicant will be required to submit for planning permission for the project within 12 months of project approvalExpression of Interest:Expressions of Interest must include the following:<ol><li> Proposal - Written submission outlining the proposal and a 5 year business plan(Any expression of interest should indicate how the activity will generate an economic impact in the area)</li><li> Preliminary design for The refurbishment/conversion of the structure or redevelopment of the site (Site to be let in its current condition)</li><li> Previous Experience - Background / CV of the applicant &amp; proposed operator on the site.</li><li> Financial Proposal - Estimates of the cost of the proposed redevelopment and method of funding for the project</li></ol>Expressions of interest are to be received by Galway City Council. For further information on this opportunity and to arrange an appointment to view the current building contact the Economic Development section of Galway City Council.The Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by email to candc@galwaycity.ie to the Economic Development section of Galway City Council on or before 12 noon on 16th November 2020Evaluation Criteria:The following evaluation criteria will be utilised by Galway City Council in assessing expressions of interests received in relation to this site:<ul><li>Compliance with the objectives in the Galway City Development Plan - 20%</li><li>Contribution to tourism and economic development of the area - 20%</li><li>Viability of the Project - 20%</li><li>Previous Experience - 20%</li><li>Funding &amp; Price - 20%</li></ul>The disposal of all lands in the ownership of Galway City Council and the terms of conditions of any such disposal are subject to the formal approval of the elected members of Galway City Council

Expressions of interest in the former tourist office site in Salthill 

<h3>Applications have opened for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant, designed to assist the self-employed as they get back on their feet following Covid-19.</h3><h3></h3><h3>The scheme is aimed at sole traders who are not liable for commercial rates.</h3><h3></h3>This grant, worth up to €1,000 per person, is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers etc, who do not pay commercial rates and therefore do not qualify for the Government’s Restart Grant Plus Scheme.The Enterprise Support Grant previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises.But it has now been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the Pandemic. Making the announcement the Minister Humphreys said;<blockquote>“The Enterprise Support Grant is designed to assist the self-employed, who are crucial to our economic recovery, to get back on their feet following the Covid-19 outbreak,” </blockquote><blockquote>“Thousands of sole traders and small business owners right across the country have in recent months been in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).</blockquote><blockquote>“For many, this was the first time they ever had to apply for State support.</blockquote><blockquote>“The PUP was a vital lifeline for people who, through no fault of their own, found themselves out of work.</blockquote><blockquote>“That’s why I took the decision to extend the payment until April of next year,” she added.</blockquote>The Minister continued:<blockquote>”In the past, the Enterprise Support Grant was designed to assist people in opening a business. Today, I’m opening applications to people who need assistance in getting back on their feet and their businesses back up and running.</blockquote><blockquote>“Whether it’s paying wages, fuel costs, purchasing PPE or signage – this is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business and get back doing what they do best: Providing crucial and essential services in their communities.</blockquote><blockquote>“So if you’re a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road – this grant may be of interest to you.”</blockquote>The Department of Social Protection has stated that this Grant will assist those people who transitioned from the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment into self-employment since May 18th, which marked Phase One of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.Once-off funding of up to a maximum €1,000 will be available to assist them with re-opening their business.This grant seeks to support micro self-employed enterprises, not currently eligible for similar grant funding through other Departments.The support is available to small business owners who employ fewer than 10 people, are not liable for commercial rates and have an annual turnover of less than €1 million - providing kick-start funding to those enterprises that do not have an entitlement to other business re-start grants.It will be paid on the basis of expenditure incurred by an applicant to re-open their business covering their costs up to €1,000.Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can download the application form<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/739f3-enterprise-support-grant-for-buisnesses-impacted-by-covid-19/"> HERE</a> on www.welfare.ie and, when completed should be sent to their local Intreo Centre.

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