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Thousands of workers who have recently been asked to work from home as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19 can avail of Revenue&#39;s e-worker tax relief. Tax refund specialists at Taxback.com say that many of these employees will never have worked from home before, and so will be unaware of the relief that is available to them.More than 100,000 people already worked from home before the Covid-19 outbreak and Revenue has made provisions for these people to be reimbursed for work-related expenses. These include heating, electricity and perhaps broadband expenses.Taxback.com said that by working from home over the coming weeks, and possibly months, people will incur some additional costs that they may not even be aware of.Joanna Murphy, CEO of Taxback.com, said that from a tax perspective, an employer can pay €3.20 a day to their employee to cover these additional costs. Ms Murphy said this payment is tax free, which means they won&#39;t be deducting PAYE, PRSI or USC from that amount. However, employers have no legal obligation to pay the tax relief.&quot;But even if your employer doesn&#39;t and/or isn&#39;t in a position to pay the €3.20, these expenses are eligible for tax relief meaning the home-worker can claim tax back on them,&quot; Joanna Murphy said.&quot;Any claims made will need to be supported with evidence in the form of receipts and possibly a letter from your employer stating that you do, in fact, work from home and that they do not reimburse you for these expenses,&quot; she added.Ms Murphy also said the allowance or rebate claimed must be reasonable, allowing for the fact that the utilities are for both personal and work and benefit everyone else in the home, so the refund received will be based on only a portion of the overall expenses. Source: <a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0320/1124297-working-from-home-tax-relief/">RTÉ</a>COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here</a>.

Working from home? You claim tax relief for lighting, heat and broadband

Emma O&#39; Kelly
 - Education Correspondent, RTE. Chair, NUJ Dublin Broadcasting. <img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/LC.jpg" alt="undefined"></img>The Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle orals and practical exams are being cancelled – but students will be awarded full marks for them.

However, no decision has been made yet about the written exams in June, Education Minister Joe McHugh said today.

The school-based orals and practicals were due to take place over a two week period, starting next Monday.But schools will definitely be closed next week as part of the social distancing measures implemented to restrict the spread of Covid-19, and are likely to remain shut until after Easter.

Today’s announcement means that all students who were due to take part in orals and practicals in the following subjects will be given full marks for this part of the exam:

Oral tests in Leaving Certificate Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese.
Practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music.
Practical performance tests in Junior Certificate Music and Home Economics.
However, the second phase of practical exams remain as originally scheduled from Monday April 27 to Friday May 8.

And no changes were announced for the written exams in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scheduled for Wednesday May 6, a range of oral and practical tests in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, along with the first examination in Leaving Certificate Computer Science on Wednesday 27 May, or the final written examinations starting on June 3.

Some 126,000 students are due to take the State examinations with 65,190 entered for the Junior Cycle examinations and 61,053 students due to sit the Leaving Cert.

Not all subjects have oral and practical components, so the awarding of full marks for a portion of an exam that has been cancelled – worth between 20pc and 40pc of all marks, depending on the subject - will raise equity issues, that exam chiefs will have to address.Minister McHugh also confirmed changes to deadlines for students to complete project work and coursework in a number of subjects.

Students were originally scheduled to complete these elements of the State exams between tomorrow, March 20 to Friday April 24, depending on the subject.

Students will now be given until Friday May 15 to complete this work.

Completion deadlines are extended for the following:

Leaving Certificate Computer Science, Physical Education, Technology, Art, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, History, Geography, Religious Education, Politics and Society, Music, Constructions Studies and Home Economics;
Junior Cycle Metalwork, Materials Technology Wood, Technology and Religious Education;
Junior Cycle Assessment Tasks in English, Irish, Modern languages, Science and Business Studies.
All eyes will now move to the what happens the written exams.

The Government and State Examinations Commission (SEC) are still hoping that circumstances will allow those to take place.

Mr McHugh said today that the Department of Education would continue to work with the SEC to monitor the Covid-19 situation in terms of its potential impact on the other later scheduled components of the state examinations.

“We will continue to respond at the right time and in the right way, with the impact on our students at the forefront of our minds,” Minister McHugh said.

He said he knew they were “asking a lot of people in order to stem the spread of Covid-19. In response to that I want students and their parents or guardians and teachers to be given flexibility as they work towards the exams.

“All of Government is hugely grateful for the effort, commitment and energy that students and teachers are putting in to continue education in difficult circumstances. I urge you all to keep up the momentum and focus on preparing for the exams.”<a href="https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/leaving-cert-and-junior-cycle-orals-and-practical-exams-have-been-cancelled-39057608.html">Source. </a>

State exams: Leaving Cert, Junior Cycle orals & practical exams cancelled

A fundraising campaign to feed hospital staff, emergency workers and frontline staff has raised €200,000 in just three days.<img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/ireland.jpg2.jpg" alt="undefined"></img>Businessman Cian O’’Flaherty, one of the founders of the Feed The Heroes GoFundMe page, described the public response as ’’incredible’’, adding that donations &quot;went bananas&quot; once the campaign was picked up on social media.Based in Blackrock in Dublin, Mr O’’Flaherty set the page up with Tad McAllister with the aim of paying for food deliveries to hospitals for frontline staff who are putting in extra hours during the coronavirus outbreak.They were inspired by a social media post which showed a local business dropping food in to staff working in the Mater Hospital in Dublin.&quot;We’’re all sitting at home feeling helpless and, let’’s be honest, a little frightened,&quot; he said.&quot;We just wanted to feel like we were doing something useful.&quot;He said the response has been &quot;incredible&quot;, both in terms of the general public supporting the initiative - at the time of writing, €187,000 had been donated - and the people who are receiving the food donated.&quot;People are working triple, quadruple shifts,&quot; he said.<blockquote>&quot;They said it is giving them a big lift. That’’s all we can do.&quot;</blockquote>There are plans underway to ensure the service can continue long-term, including in the potential case of restaurants being issued general closure orders by the government, similar to those issued to pubs.Mr O’’Flaherty said they have consulted with people who own or have access to community kitchens, for instance.He said the public has been keen to show support so they want to make sure it keeps going.They have also been contacted by other local groups, including the Cork-based In For Lunch, who want to offer assistance to ensure healthcare and ambulance workers all over the country see the benefits of the fundraising.Mr O’’Flaherty said he hopes to see more deliveries to hospitals around the country in the coming days, too, with staff working at Cork University Hospital posting on Twitter an image of food dropped in to them as a result of the campaign.To donate, visit<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/feed-the-heroes"> www.gofundme.com/f/feed-the-heroes</a>ARE YOU A FOOD OPERATOR? If you are a potential food supplier sign up to deliver to our hospitals here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_84SgDs1CRju-Ja7EsDIoNp_C5LALKcMwmD1WbhCOlYXHSQ/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_84SgDs1CRju-Ja7EsDIoNp_C5LALKcMwmD1WbhCOlYXHSQ/viewform</a>

 <img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/ireland.jpg" alt="undefined"></img>

Over €200,000 Raised! Feed The Heroes campaign gets an incredible response

<img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/COVID19%20LATEST%20NEWS.jpg" alt="COVID 19 LATEST NEWS Jpg" style="max-width:calc(100% - 1.6rem);margin:1.6rem 0.8rem 2.4rem"/>An Irish company is preparing to release rapid Covid-19 testing kits, which can provide results in 15 minutes and potentially act as a &quot;clinical weapon&quot; against coronavirus.
The tests have been developed with the same technology contained in pregnancy tests and although they are in a pilot phase, they could reduce testing times dramatically from four hours to just 15 minutes.
Assay Genie, a Reagent Genie brand, will be releasing the rapid POC (Point of Care) kit within weeks globally and already some Irish hospitals have been in touch to sample the product, according to Colm Ryan, biochemist and chief executive of Assay Genie.
The test measures one drop of blood and according to the co-founder and CTO of the company Seán Mac Fhearraigh &quot;ultimately, we would have a clinical weapon to combat the spread of the virus&quot;.
Mr Ryan and Mr Mac Fhearraigh met at UCD when they were studying biochemistry.
They both have PhDs and were able to develop the kits after learning early on how the virus was spreading so quickly in Wuhan, China, where it was first identified.
&quot;We were working on this as soon as we found out about coronavirus, as we have contacts in China,&quot; Mr Ryan, from Co Tipperary, said. &quot;We were ahead of the curve, due to that.
&quot;So we worked with a partner to develop the kit to bring it to market and it&#x27;s CE certified for diagnostic use in Ireland.
&quot;We need to come together to fight this battle.
&quot;It&#x27;s similar to going through a war but we will stay together and get through it and unite.&quot;
The kit uses lateral flow technology to detect Covid-19 within just one drop of blood.
Currently, the virus is detected via an advanced molecular technique called quantitative real-time PCR, which takes four hours to deliver a result.
The Assay Genie kit uses colloidal gold immunochromatography to detect the virus and antibodies in human blood, serum and plasma.
Positive samples are shown by a colour change within the test kit.

The kit is so faR a research-use only test but there have been &quot;lots of contacts from Irish hospitals and in the UK, and round the world,&quot; Mr Ryan said.

&quot;They&#x27;re taking free tests on the first batch. We should have a consignment out in seven days.

&quot;We are getting a lot of contacts from frontline staff, especially from pharmacies.

&quot;We need a quick way of responding to this virus.

&quot;There&#x27;s a global shortage of raw materials for the test kits being used currently.

&quot;And I think some people don&#x27;t realise the mammoth task involved in testing.&quot;

Mr Ryan said he believes those showing symptoms should be tested and rapid testing should be used on medics who are dealing with the crisis up close.

Large companies have also shown an interest in the rapid tests, as they are concerned about having staff away from offices in self-isolation.

A rapid test for workers who may be showing cold symptoms could rule out coronavirus, or flag just when medical help is needed.

Mr Ryan also believes that anyone who is caring for the elderly and the vulnerable should also have easier access to testing.

But he says the rapid tests could only potentially be used by GPs and other medics.<a href="https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/irish-developed-kit-confirms-infection-in-15-minutes-39046582.html" target="_blank">Source.</a>-<h2>COVID-19 LATEST:</h2>Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection:The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have just announced that their dedicated phone line for COVID-19 payment queries is open from the 17th of March, from 9am to 5pm.Call: 01-2481398 / 1890-800-024A dedicated Help Line set up for businesses around COVID-19 has also been set up. Call: +353 1 631 2002• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#x27;s Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-" target="_blank">Apply here.</a>• Answers to frequently asked questions relating to Students, Part-Time Workers, Childcare Workers, People Abroad. Get all the answers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/covid-19-answers-for-the-most-asked-questions" target="_blank">here.</a>• The Government is asking employers, if at all possible, to continue to pay workers during this period - at least at the jobseeker rate of €203 per week. Employers can then apply for a refund of €203 per week - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/refund-of-203-per-worker-per-week-to-employers-who-pay-employees" target="_blank">more here.</a>• Unable to collect social welfare payments? An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment. Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-will-allow-you-to-nominate-someone-to-collect-your-welfar" target="_blank">here.</a>• Has your work week been cut short? Short-time Work Support Payment is now available. Details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/short-time-work-support-payment-if-you-re-working-week-has-been-c" target="_blank">here.</a>• Workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-diagnosed-with-covid-19-how-to-apply-for-illness-" target="_blank">How to apply for illness benefit?</a>• Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 restrictions <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/your-employment-rights-during-covid-19-restrictions" target="_blank">here.</a>• Have you been Laid-off or made redundant? Everything you need to know <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/lay-off-short-time-working-and-redundancy" target="_blank">here.</a>• Workers whose employers do not supplement the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-whose-employers-do-not-supplement-the-state-illness-benef" target="_blank">State Illness Benefit payment</a>• Have you been requested to stay at home by your employer due to COVID-19? <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-requested-to-stay-at-home-by-their-employer-covid" target="_blank">Here&#x27;s what you need to know. </a>• Help for workers who are laid off temporarily or <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-laid-off-temporarily-or-put-on-to-short-time-work" target="_blank">put on to short time working</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-" target="_blank">• Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-" target="_blank">• </a>Support for your business: Learn about all of the Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses" target="_blank">here.</a>Employment opportunities with the HSEBe On Call For Ireland – Sign up now. The HSE is looking for healthcare &amp; non healthcare professionals.Calling all healthcare Professionals, all disciplines, retired, students and people with other skills that can help during the effects and impact of COVID-19.Ireland needs you and you will be paid a salary in line with the role you are appointed to.<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/be-on-call-for-ireland-hse-is-looking-for-healthcare-non-healthca" target="_blank">Click here for all the details. </a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/be-on-call-for-ireland-hse-is-looking-for-healthcare-non-healthca" target="_blank"></a>Wishing you all health and happiness.

Irish company create COVID-19 testing kit - Confirms infection in 15 mins

The Taoiseach made a Ministerial Broadcast, to the Nation at 9pm on RTÉ 17th March 2020.After a video-conference with European Heads of Government this afternoon, and a tele-conference with the Cabinet to agree emergency Covid-19 legislation this evening, Leo Varadkar tweeted &quot;This is a Patrick&#39;s Day like no other. We cannot stop the virus, but we can push it back. We will always put your life and your health first. In future, let them say: when things were at their worst, we were at our best.&quot;The broadcast was made under Section 112 of the Broadcast Act which is in place to allow the Government to broadcast in the event of a major emergencies.<a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0317/1123774-taoiseach-to-broadcast-to-country-on-covid-19-at-9pm/">https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0317/1123774-taoiseach-to-broadcast-to-country-on-covid-19-at-9pm/</a>

Official Ministerial Broadcast

*DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE*Thank you for your interest in supporting our health service during the Covid- 19 pandemic.COVID-19 or coronavirus is here and every one of us is taking action to reduce the impact it has on our families and communities.

We’re washing our hands, we’re staying at home, we’re thinking of those who are most vulnerable.

And, in our health service, we’re preparing to care for the people who will be affected.

We are asking all healthcare professionals from all disciplines who are not already working in the public health service to register to be on call for Ireland.
We will be creating extra hospital and care beds and will need extra hands to provide the care that’s needed. We need your help to meet the challenge that’s ahead.

Maybe you aren’t a healthcare professional, maybe you’re studying to be one, or maybe you have other skills to offer or just want to volunteer to do your bit if needed.

Hopefully we won’t need to call, and if we do, we may not need every one of you. But knowing you are there if we do will make all the difference.Your Questions
COVID-19 or coronavirus is here and every one of us is taking action to reduce the impact it has on our families and communities. In our health service, we’re preparing to care for the people who will be affected.
About this Sign-Up ProcessWho are we asking to sign up to be on call?

We are asking all healthcare professionals from all disciplines who are not already working in the public health service to register to be on call for Ireland. This will be to work in existing or newly set up facilities, to provide, organise and support the care that’s needed.
What about non-healthcare professionals?

If you are a retired or a student healthcare professional student, we would still be interested in hearing from you. If you are not a healthcare professionals but you have other skills to offer, we are also interested in hearing from you.Will everyone who applies be called?

Hopefully we won’t need to call, and if we do, we may not need every one of you. But knowing you are there if we do will make a difference. Read more about this process below.
The Roles
What types of roles will be available?

The types of roles will depend on the impact COVID-19 has on our staff and local health services. We are likely to recruit across most roles in the health services. We will be in touch with you if your skill area is relevant and needed in a particular location.

Where will the roles come up?

At the moment we do not know the locations where the roles will come up. The location of roles will be dependent on the impact COVID19 has on our healthcare staff and healthcare services.
Filling in the Online Form
I want to update my registration details, how do I that?

You received an email to thank you for your registration. You can update your details following the link on this email.
I cannot find my discipline on the web form, what should I do?

If you cannot find your specific discipline there is an option in the discipline drop down list named “other useful skill area”. You can choose this and then write in your specific skill area in the text box.
I did not attach a CV when I first registered, how do I do that now?

You received an email to thank you for your registration. You follow the link to update your details and can attach a CV using that link.
I have not heard anything from you yet- did you get my registration?

If you have registered correctly you will have received 2 emails from us. If you did not receive these please try to register again. If you continue to encounter problems with this please contact the help desk by clicking the following link: <a href="https://hbsrecruitmentservices.kayako.com/">Help Desk
</a>When and How you will be contacted
When will you contact me?

We cannot say when exactly we will contact you or indeed if we will contact you, this depends on what kind of workers/ volunteers need. We will contact you if your skillset, availability and geographic preference match with the emerging needs of the health service. This means we are responding to needs as, where and when they arise. We cannot predict where the need will arise. As you can appreciate this is a busy and challenging time for the health services so we ask for your continued patience and understanding in this regard.
How will you contact me?

We will contact you mainly via mobile phone (text/ phone call and email).
Hours of Work
What are the hours of work?
There is likely to be different types of work hours/ shifts available, both part time and full time. We cannot tell you at the moment about the exact hours that will become available as that depends on the needs of the particular healthcare service. If a role comes up for you, the hours of work will be outlined at that time.
Holidays &amp; Annual Leave
Do I get annual leave (holidays) if I take up a job?

You will accrue annual leave on a pro rata basis in line with the terms and conditions of your contract.

Salary
Who much will I be paid?
You will be paid in line with the role you are appointed to. Pay scales for the various health care workers can be viewed at <a href="https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/benefitsservices/pay/">https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/benefitsservices/pay/</a>Volunteering
I am over 65+ can I volunteer?

Yes you can. We are recording the dates of birth of all those who register so we can make decisions on what age groups are most appropriate for which types of work.

Can you volunteer or work as a young person?

Yes you can. We are recording the dates of birth of all those who register so we can make decisions on what age groups are most appropriate for which types of work.
I have special skills that I believe will help, how can I let you know?

If you have special skills that you believe will help, you can tell us those skills as part of your online regisistration under the discipline area “other useful skill area”.

Already on HSE recruitment panel
I am already on a HSE recruitment panel, will I get one of those jobs?
This initiative is a response to an exceptional public health situation, aimed at increasing the available workforce. It is not a standard recruitment process nor does it replace normal HSE recruitment. The HSE recruitment panels are not linked to this initiative and will continue to be used to fill relevant vacancies arising as part of standard recruitment.
About HSE jobs
Will you fill normal HSE vacancies through this process?

No. The aim of this initiative is to increase the available workforce to rapidly respond to emerging public health priorities as and where they may arise and hopefully for the short term. Normal HSE vacancies will be filled following the normal recruitment channels.
The Selection Process
Will I have to attend interview?

A short telephone interview will be arranged to make sure we match the right people with the right roles. We will make contact with people to arrange these as and where the needs are emerging to fill roles. In some cases we may conduct more in-depth selection processes and we will inform you of that at the time.
Will I have to do Garda/ Police clearance?

Yes. In line the National Vetting Bureau Children &amp; Vulnerable Persons Act (2012) all persons working in patient facing roles will need to be Garda Vetted. To ensure this does not delay your contribution to this important initiative, please respond to any Garda Vetting requests you receive as soon as you can.
I have a criminal conviction, should I still apply?

We cannot make that decision for you as this is specific to each individual. The nature of your conviction would determine whether or not you could proceed to a role that supports this initiative.
I have not heard anything from you yet? Why not?

We will contact you if your skillset, availability and geographic preference match with the emerging needs of the health service. This means we are responding to needs as and where they arise. We cannot predict where the need will arise. As you can appreciate this is a busy and challenging time for the health services so we ask for your continued patience and understanding in this regard.
Childcare/ Care Arrangements
What childcare arrangements will there be?

At present there are no centralised childcare arrangements supplied for those who work/ volunteer for this COVID-19. If there is a change to this we will update this information.
Local healthcare sites may offer arrangements and you will be advised of this if offered work in that site.
About Covid-19
I have an underlying medical condition, can I still work/ volunteer?

If you have an underlying medical condition you should disclose this to us if/ when we contact you. We will be guided by Occupational Health in assigning workers/ volunteers to particular care areas.
Am I more likely to get COVID-19 if I take this job/ volunteer?

COVID-19 is an infectious virus. Health care workers and any volunteers will be advised by the health service on how to reduce transmission and protect yourself.
I want to help but I don’t want to work with COVID-19 patients, can I work/ volunteer in different healthcare area?

The emphasis on this initiative is to support the management of COVID-19. The types of jobs and locations will be advised by the local services. If you do not want to take a job or work/ volunteer in a certain location you can decide not to take it.
What if I don’t know that I have COVID-19 and I start working/ volunteering?

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or experience the symptoms, you should follow the existing public health advice including notifying your line manager immediately.
Where can I find out more about COVID-19 or coronavirus?
Keep yourself updated with the most up to date health care advice by visiting hse.ie/coronavirus.<h2>HOW TO APPLY:</h2>PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BE DIVERTED TO THE OFFICIAL HSE REGISTRATION FORM.<a href="https://forms.hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/form-33832/">CLICK HERE</a><a href="https://forms.hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/form-33832/"></a>*Please note that by clicking the link you are being diverted the Official HSE Registration Form. If you require any further information please go to www.hse.ie.<a href="https://forms.hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/form-33832/"></a>How will the data be used?By completing this form you consent to your data being used for healthcare recruitment to support the management of Covid 19 in Ireland.
The data gathered will be held and distributed for the purposes of recruiting health care professionals. This data may be distributed to public and voluntary health and social care providers. Your data may be shared with third party suppliers who are supporting this initiative on the request of the HSE.
How will your data be stored?
The data gathered will be held on password protected computers/ cloud storage.

The Health Service Executive is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
The Health Service Executive recognises its responsibilities under the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Be on call for Ireland: HSE is looking for healthcare & non healthcare pros

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSSTUDENTS - I’m a Student working part time to pay my rent so I can attend College. If I don’t pay my rent I will lose my accommodation. What can I do? You should just apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">here.</a>STUDENTS - I’m a foreign Student working part time (20 Hours) I pay PRSI and Tax etc. Can I apply?You should just apply for the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</a>, again the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment.  In the meantime they also suggested that you could contact your embassy in Ireland to see if they can offer you any assistance or advice at this time.CHILDCARE ISSUES - I cannot attend work due to childcare issues / creche closures. My workplace is still open but I just cannot attend, so I have taken unpaid leave – can I apply for support? The advice was that you should apply anyway for the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment</a>STUCK ABROAD - I’m stuck in another country due to flight cancellations and can’t attend work, my employers said that they cannot pay me for the days I&#39;m missing? Can I apply for support?They suggested that you contact your embassy in the Country where you are to see if they can help you to get home asap.PART TIME WORKER - I work part-time in a hairdressers and have already sent in my paperwork for 3 days off. My employer has closed the salon indefinitely. How can I amend the situation?They said you should send in the &#39;x and o’s&#39; and don’t put dates on it.PART TIME WORKER - I can’t get my employer to sign my Weekly form for social welfare as the business is closed – what can I do?They said you should send in the &#39;x and o’s&#39; and don’t put dates on it. (hope you know what that is - but sure if you do Weekly Forms you will know.Main thing the person on the phone said is - if people are stuck for money due to the impact of COVID and lay offs, short time etc., don&#39;t go hungry, apply - even if you are in doubt. They will review your application. The form is easy - just put your details on it and send it back FREEPOST. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">Get all the details here.</a>I am unable to print forms to claim for social welfare payments? Request a Form By Post - This email address is only for application forms. Email: forms@welfare.ieHere are the latest COVID-19 updates from The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection:<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/govt-announces-national-covid-19-income-support-scheme">• Govt announces National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme</a> - Emergency pandemic payment will increase from €203 to €350. Workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (an increase from €203). Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/govt-announces-national-covid-19-income-support-scheme">here.</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/govt-announces-national-covid-19-income-support-scheme"></a>• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#39;s Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">Apply here.</a>• An Post to pay two weeks&#39; social welfare benefit to customers from Monday
 the 23rd of March. Important additional information: - How to direct your social welfare payments to your bank account?- How to nominate a temporary agent to collect your social welfare payments?Get all the details on the above <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-to-pay-two-weeks-social-welfare-benefit-to-customers-from">here. </a>• Unable to collect social welfare payments? An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment. Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-will-allow-you-to-nominate-someone-to-collect-your-welfar">here.</a>• Has your work week been cut short? Short-time Work Support Payment is now available. Details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/short-time-work-support-payment-if-you-re-working-week-has-been-c">here.</a>• Workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-diagnosed-with-covid-19-how-to-apply-for-illness-">How to apply for illness benefit?</a>• Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 restrictions <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/your-employment-rights-during-covid-19-restrictions">here.</a>• Have you been Laid-off or made redundant? Everything you need to know <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/lay-off-short-time-working-and-redundancy">here.</a>• Workers whose employers do not supplement the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-whose-employers-do-not-supplement-the-state-illness-benef">State Illness Benefit payment</a>• Have you been requested to stay at home by your employer due to COVID-19? <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-requested-to-stay-at-home-by-their-employer-covid">Here&#39;s what you need to know. </a>• Working from home? You claim tax relief for lighting, heat and broadband. Get the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/working-from-home-you-claim-tax-relief-for-lighting-heat-and-broa">here</a>. • Help for workers who are laid off temporarily or <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-laid-off-temporarily-or-put-on-to-short-time-work">put on to short time working</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• </a>Support for your business: Learn about all of the Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses">here.</a>Employment opportunities with the HSEBe On Call For Ireland – Sign up now.
 The HSE is looking for healthcare &amp; non healthcare professionals.Calling all healthcare Professionals, all disciplines, retired, students and people with other skills that can help during the effects and impact of COVID-19.Ireland needs you and you will be paid a salary in line with the role you are appointed to.<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/be-on-call-for-ireland-hse-is-looking-for-healthcare-non-healthca">Click here for all the details. </a>Wishing you all health and happiness.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

COVID-19: Answers for your most asked questions

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have opened a dedicated phone line for COVID-19 payment queries - starting on the 17th of March, from 9am to 5pm.Call: 01-2481398 / 1890-800-024A dedicated Help Line set up for businesses around COVID-19 has also been set up. Call: +353 1 631 2002We got through and asked some of the questions that you have put in the comments section - so here&#39;s the replies;QUESTIONSSTUDENTS - I’m a Student working part time to pay my rent so I can attend College. If I don’t pay my rent I will lose my accommodation. What can I do? You should just apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment. STUDENTS - I’m a foreign Student working part time (20 Hours) I pay PRSI and Tax etc. Can I apply?You should just apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, again the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment.  In the meantime they also suggested that you could contact your embassy in Ireland to see if they can offer you any assistance or advice at this time. CHILDCARE ISSUES - I cannot attend work due to childcare issues / creche closures. My workplace is still open but I just cannot attend, so I have taken unpaid leave – can I apply for support? The advice was that you should apply anyway for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment STUCK ABROAD - I’m stuck in another country due to flight cancelations and can’t attend work, my employers said that they cannot pay me for the days I&#39;m missing? Can I apply for support?They suggested that you contact your embassy in the Country where you are to see if they can help you to get home asap. PART TIME WORKER - I work part-time in a hairdressers and have already sent in my paperwork for 3 days off. My employer has closed the salon indefinitely. How can I amend the situation?They said you should send in the &#39;x and o’s&#39; and don’t put dates on it. PART TIME WORKER - I can’t get my employer to sign my Weekly form for social welfare as the business is closed – what can I do?They said you should send in the &#39;x and o’s&#39; and don’t put dates on it. (hope you know what that is - but sure if you do Weekly Forms you will know.Main thing the person on the phone said is - if people are stuck for money due to the impact of COVID and lay offs, short time etc., don&#39;t go hungry, apply - even if you are in doubt. They will review your application. The form is easy - just put your details on it and send it back FREEPOST.Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection:• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#39;s Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">Apply here.</a>• Unable to collect social welfare payments? An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment. Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-will-allow-you-to-nominate-someone-to-collect-your-welfar">here.</a>• Has your work week been cut short? Short-time Work Support Payment is now available. Details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/short-time-work-support-payment-if-you-re-working-week-has-been-c">here.</a>• Workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-diagnosed-with-covid-19-how-to-apply-for-illness-">How to apply for illness benefit?</a>• Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 restrictions <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/your-employment-rights-during-covid-19-restrictions">here.</a>• Have you been Laid-off or made redundant? Everything you need to know <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/lay-off-short-time-working-and-redundancy">here.</a>• Workers whose employers do not supplement the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-whose-employers-do-not-supplement-the-state-illness-benef">State Illness Benefit payment</a>• Have you been requested to stay at home by your employer due to COVID-19? <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-requested-to-stay-at-home-by-their-employer-covid">Here&#39;s what you need to know. </a>• Help for workers who are laid off temporarily or <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-laid-off-temporarily-or-put-on-to-short-time-work">put on to short time working</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• </a>Support for your business: Learn about all of the Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses">here.</a>Wishing you all health and happiness.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

Phone line for COVID-19 Payment Queries

COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed.What COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment isThis new payment will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment has a simple one–page application form and will be paid for a period of 6 weeks at a flat rate payment of €350 per week for jobseekers. It is designed to quickly deliver a social welfare payment to the unemployed and provide income security during this 6-week period.Individuals applying for the payment will be required to apply for the normal jobseeker’s payments within this 6-week period. Once this normal jobseeker claim is subsequently received, the department will process these claims and reconcile payments at that time. This will involve backdating increased payments for certain customers. Minister for Employment Regina Doherty stated:“Ireland has entered unchartered territory as a consequence of the spread of Covid-19. This is now both a public health and economic issue.“In light of the significant volumes of jobseeker applications expected this week, the Department will from tomorrow be introducing a new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment specifically designed to get thousands of people into payment as quickly as possible.”The new payment that has been put in place will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.Emergency pandemic payment will increase from €203 to €350. Workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (an increase from €203). How to ApplyThere is no need for to attend your local Intreo Centre but you can apply in the following ways:This guide describes how to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - <a href="https://assets.gov.ie/71477/5df3b7f1f0fc454faefd8f906100ff99.pdf">Download here.</a>An application form for the new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment can be <a href="https://assets.gov.ie/71472/a026043e90cc4d03bdfb1f3a58f3d7af.pdf">downloaded here</a> and returned to us to PO BOX 12896, Dublin 1ORYou can apply for another income support from us through our online portal <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/">www.MyWelfare.ie</a> (you will need a Public Services Card)ORPhone us on 1890 800 024 or 01 2481398 and we will send you the relevant application form for the new payment.Request a Form By Post - This email address is only for application forms. Email: forms@welfare.ieMinister Doherty added:“I want to reassure our clients that the Department will process all applications for income support as soon as possible. The new payment will speed this process up and ensure that our customers receive a payment from the Department in as short a time as possible. Payments will issue based on date of application, not date of processing, meaning that all payments will be back dated. We would ask customers to please keep checking your Bank Account as payment may issue in advance of us formally notifying you.”We would ask the members of the public to please assist us over the next few days by applying for income support from the department, such as the full Jobseekers Payment, through our online channel <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/">mywelfare.ie</a>. See the below information to get started. COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

COVID-19: Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed

“Uncharted Territory” - Minister Doherty asks employers if they can “pay workers at least €203 during this period and claim refunds from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection? It was also suggested that Banks will provide working capital finance in the form of overdrafts or short-term loans to cover costs. Doherty outlined that she will bring details of a new scheme to Cabinet tomorrow in a press release issued this evening.In the press release Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty emphasised:“Where employers, who have to cease trading because of the impact of social distancing, continue to pay workers they will be able to claim refunds from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. A temporary refund scheme is being established for this purpose. This refund will be for €203 per worker per week. This means that workers retain their link with employers and there is no need for them personally to submit a jobseekers claim.”The Minister explained that refunds will take some time to process but in the meantime the Banks will provide working capital finance in the form of overdrafts or short-term loans to cover costs.The Minister announced that in addition to this fund the Department is introducing a new scheme for anyone whose employer is unable to continue to pay them due to a downturn in business. Minister Doherty will bring to Cabinet tomorrow details of the new scheme.This evening, Minister Doherty stated:“Ireland has entered unchartered territory as a consequence of the spread of Covid-19. This is now both a public health and economic issue.“In light of the significant volumes of jobseeker applications expected this week, the Department will from tomorrow be introducing a new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment specifically designed to get thousands of people into payment as quickly as possible.”The new payment that has been put in place will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.The payment will have a simple one – page application form and will be paid for a period of 6 weeks at a flat rate payment of €203 per week.Individuals applying for the payment will be required to apply for the normal jobseeker’s payments within this 6 week period. Once this normal jobseeker claim is subsequently received, the Department will process these claims and reconcile payments at that time. This will involve backdating increased payments for certain customers.For those workers whose employers do lay them off without pay, and mindful of social distancing requirements, there is no need to visit an Intreo Centre. Intreo Centres have to apply social distancing recommendations so queues will be long and people who call may have to wait a long time.Application forms can be downloaded online and submitted by post. Those people with a registered MyGovID account can make their claim online.People are asked to assist the Department over the next few days by applying for income support from the Department through our online channels.Information for people claiming a paymentThere is no need for to attend your local Intreo Centre but you can apply in the following ways:1) An application form for the new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment can be <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/">downloaded here</a> and returned to us to PO BOX 12896, Dublin 1OR2) You can apply for another income support from us through our online portal <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/">www.MyWelfare.ie</a> (you will need a Public Services Card)OR3) Phone us on 1890 800 024 or 01 2481398 and we will send you the relevant application form for the new payment.Minister Doherty added:“I want to reassure our clients that the Department will process all applications for income support as soon as possible. The new payment will speed this process up and ensure that our customers receive a payment from the Department in as short a time as possible. Payments will issue based on date of application, not date of processing, meaning that all payments will be back dated. We would ask customers to please keep checking your Bank Account as payment may issue in advance of us formally notifying you.”COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

Refund of €203 per worker per week to Employers who pay employees

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have just announced that their dedicated phone line for COVID-19 payment queries is open from the 17th of March, from 9am to 5pm.Call: 01-2481398 / 1890-800-024A dedicated Help Line set up for businesses around COVID-19 has also been set up. Call: +353 1 631 2002<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/govt-announces-national-covid-19-income-support-scheme">• Govt announces National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme</a> - Emergency pandemic payment will increase from €203 to €350. Workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (an increase from €203). Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/govt-announces-national-covid-19-income-support-scheme">here.</a>• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#39;s Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">Apply here.</a>• An Post to pay two weeks&#39; social welfare benefit to customers from Monday the 23rd of March. Important additional information: - How to direct your social welfare payments to your bank account?- How to nominate a temporary agent to collect your social welfare payments?Get all the details on the above <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-to-pay-two-weeks-social-welfare-benefit-to-customers-from">here. </a>• I am unable to print forms to claim for social welfare payments? Request a Form By Post - This email address is only for application forms. Email: forms@welfare.ie• Answers to frequently asked questions relating to Students, Part-Time Workers, Childcare Workers, People Abroad. Get all the answers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/covid-19-answers-for-the-most-asked-questions">here.</a>• Unable to collect social welfare payments? An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment. Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-will-allow-you-to-nominate-someone-to-collect-your-welfar">here.</a>• Has your work week been cut short? Short-time Work Support Payment is now available. Details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/short-time-work-support-payment-if-you-re-working-week-has-been-c">here.</a>• Workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 - <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-diagnosed-with-covid-19-how-to-apply-for-illness-">How to apply for illness benefit?</a>• Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 restrictions <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/your-employment-rights-during-covid-19-restrictions">here.</a>• Have you been Laid-off or made redundant? Everything you need to know <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/lay-off-short-time-working-and-redundancy">here.</a>• Workers whose employers do not supplement the <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-whose-employers-do-not-supplement-the-state-illness-benef">State Illness Benefit payment</a>• Have you been requested to stay at home by your employer due to COVID-19? <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-requested-to-stay-at-home-by-their-employer-covid">Here&#39;s what you need to know. </a>• Working from home? You claim tax relief for lighting, heat and broadband. Get the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/working-from-home-you-claim-tax-relief-for-lighting-heat-and-broa">here</a>.• Help for workers who are laid off temporarily or <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-are-laid-off-temporarily-or-put-on-to-short-time-work">put on to short time working</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/workers-who-need-to-take-time-off-to-care-for-person-affected-by-">• </a>Support for your business: Learn about all of the Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses">here.</a>• I am unable to print forms to claim for social welfare payments? Request a Form By PostThis email address is only for application forms.Email: forms@welfare.ieEmployment opportunities with the HSEBe On Call For Ireland – Sign up now.The HSE is looking for healthcare &amp; non healthcare professionals.Calling all healthcare Professionals, all disciplines, retired, students and people with other skills that can help during the effects and impact of COVID-19.Ireland needs you and you will be paid a salary in line with the role you are appointed to.<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/be-on-call-for-ireland-hse-is-looking-for-healthcare-non-healthca">Click here for all the details. </a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/be-on-call-for-ireland-hse-is-looking-for-healthcare-non-healthca"></a>Wishing you all health and happiness.

COVID-19: All the latest updates for Employees and Employers

<div class="force-text-align-left"> The COVID 19 crisis is presenting immediate and severe financial challenges for businesses.Here are some practical steps you can take:1. Talk to your bank. All the banks have announced that they will offer flexibility to their customers, and they may be able to provide payment holidays or emergency working capital facilities.2. Take immediate steps to manage your cashflows. Look for scope to:<ul><li>Lower variable costs</li><li>Delay discretionary spend</li><li>Extend your payables</li><li>Expedite your receivables</li><li>Explore supply chain financing options</li></ul>3. Use available government supports for working capital.<ul><li>The Credit Guarantee Scheme supports loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years. Applications can be made to AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank. Eligibility criteria apply.</li><li>Microenterprises, can access COVID-19 loans of up to €50,000 from MicroFinance Ireland. Loans are available at an interest rate of between 6.8% and 7.8%. Businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office or directly at<a href="https://microfinanceireland.ie/" target="_blank"> microfinanceireland.ie.</a> Eligibility criteria apply.</li><li>The €200m SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme for eligible businesses will be available within the next week. Maximum loan size will be €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) and the maximum interest rate will be 4%. Applications can be made through the SBCI website at <a href="https://sbci.gov.ie/" target="_blank">sbci.gov.ie </a>. Eligibility criteria apply.</li><li>A €200m Package for Enterprise Supports including a Rescue and Restructuring Scheme is available through Enterprise Ireland for vulnerable but viable firms that need to restructure or transform their business.</li></ul>4. Get advice from your accountant or use the advisory support available from your local LEO.5. Check if your insurance policy covers you for an interruption in your business, or a temporary business closure, caused by Covid-196. If you have concerns about your ability to pay your tax liabilities speak to the Revenue Commissioners, who have advised:&quot;On an on-going basis, Revenue engages with viable businesses experiencing temporary cash flow or trading difficulties that affect the timely payment of tax. Revenue works very successfully with businesses that engage early to resolve their tax payment difficulties. Revenue will engage with any viable business thatexperiences temporary cashflow difficulties, including difficulties arising from exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.” See <a href="http://www.revenue.ie/" target="_blank">www.revenue.ie.</a>7. Be aware of other government supports available. For example:<ul><li>Firms that need to reduce hours or days worked can avail of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection <a href="http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support" target="_blank">Short Term Work Support</a> by contacting their local Intreo Office.</li><li>The full range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Office and Údarás na Gaeltachta grant supports will be available to firms to help with strategies to innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness.</li><li>The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation will provide a joint First Responder support service through the Intreo Offices and development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in each region to provide tailored supports for impacted firms, with objective of avoiding mass lay-offs and buying time for firms to work through the short-term disruptions.</li><li>A Finance in Focus grant of €7,200 will be available to Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients that want to access consultancy support to undertake immediate finance reviews.</li><li>In addition to their current range of business supports to microenterprises, LEOs can also provide business continuity vouchers from €2,500 to assist in preparing any business continuity issues that arise in the current challenging environment. </li><li>Enterprise Ireland has published a <a href="https://enterprise-ireland.com/en/about-us/services/covid-19/" target="_blank">Covid-19 Business Response Plan.</a></li></ul>The Department has updated its checklist on Business Continuity Planning which provides a <a href="https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Business-Continuity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html" target="_blank">checklist of preparatory actions for businesses in responding to COVID-19</a> and other relevant information and links on COVID-19.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers" target="_blank">here.</a> </div>

Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses

<h2>Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#39;s Benefit (Self-Employed)</h2>How To Apply For Jobseeker&#39;s Payment (Self-Employed)• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker&#39;s Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">Apply here.</a>Extra benefits:If you are getting Jobseeker&#39;s Benefit (Self-Employed), you may be entitled to:• Rent Supplement - a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme - <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html">Details here.</a>• Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance - an allowance to help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children who are attending school - <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/back_to_school_clothing_and_footwear_allowance.html">Details here.</a>• Medical card - if your income is below a certain level, you may get a medical card - <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/health/medical_cards_and_gp_visit_cards/medical_card.html">Details here.</a>• You do not qualify for the Household Benefits Package or Free Travel with Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed).COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker's Benefit

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is making the necessary preparations to ensure that there will be no disruption to welfare payments.People currently in receipt of a welfare payment will continue to receive this payment in accordance with their current entitlements if they are required to self-isolate or are diagnosed with Covid-19. There is no need for the people concerned to take any action.Payments to people who collect their payments in person at post offices but, due to illness or self-isolation, are unable to do so on the due date, will be held over until they can next attend a post office.An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment.Get all the details <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/an-post-will-allow-you-to-nominate-someone-to-collect-your-welfar">here.</a>COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

People in receipt of existing Social Welfare Payments

Many employers can, and do, agree compassionate leave arrangements with staff who need to take short periods of time off to care for another person.These include arrangements to enable employees to work remotely from home, to alter shift-patterns, to work-up time taken, to rearrange parental leave or to bring forward annual leave entitlements from future work-periods.Where it is not possible to make appropriate compassionate leave arrangements, employees can call on some statutory entitlements.An employee is entitled to paid leave, known as ‘force majeure leave’ to provide urgent care for an immediate family relative such as a child, spouse, brother, sister, parent or grandparent. It is also available to a partner who is living with the employee. Force majeure is limited to a total of three days in a 12 month period or five days in a 36 month period. In the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 it is expected that employers will, if at all possible, facilitate people by allowing them to take the full 5 days entitlement in one block, as required.Parents are entitled, with 6 weeks’ notice, to take up to 22 weeks unpaid parental leave to care for each child up to 12 years of age (16 years of age in the case of a child with a disability).Parents are also entitled, with 6 weeks’ notice, to take parents leave of 2 weeks for each child under 1 year of age born on or after 1 November 2019. Parents taking parents leave are eligible to apply for <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b321b1-parents-benefit/">Parent&#39;s Benefit</a> from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Applications can be made online at <a href="https://www.mywelfare.ie/">www.mywelfare.ie</a> or by post.Employers are free to waive notice periods for parental/parents leave or to agree to provide paid leave as an alternative to parental/parents leave. Employers can also agree alternative leave/absence arrangements.COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19

Employees who are laid off temporarily, without pay, due to a reduction in business activity, can apply for a Jobseeker&#39;s Payment. Employees who are put onto short-time working by their employer due to a reduction in business activity related to Covid-19 may apply for a Short Time Work Support payment.
This application can be made in person at an Intreo Centre.<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/dept-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-notcie-14-march-">More information here.</a>COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/covid-19-all-the-latest-updates-for-employees-and-employers">here.</a>

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