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Have you tapped into the hidden jobs market? Statistics show that the majority of jobs are not advertised. That’s worth repeating. All of the jobs advertised make up only a small proportion of total opportunities out there. A natural next question is, but why are these jobs not advertised? Well often companies already have a bank of potential candidates that have applied without advertisements. Another huge proportion of jobs are filled through employee referrals. This relates back to trust mentioned in an earlier article. Finally companies often directly target employees through LinkedIn or social media. Ok says you, I see your point but I’m not yet convinced to put in all that extra effort. Well then, let me bring out the big boys...There is a fundamental difference of character in this active approach of contacting companies rather than waiting for them to advertise positions. It’s all well and good including key character traits like proactive on your CV. It’s another thing entirely to demonstrate these traits from the get-go in your very first interaction with your potential new company. This sends a clear message to them that you are a proactive individual, ready and willing to take the reigns of your life. You’re not sitting back waiting for life to happen to you but instead going out there and making life happen.More importantly than how you’ll be perceived by employers is how you will change how you feel about yourself. Our self-image is built largely through our actions. If we build a habit of going to the gym regularly we begin to think of ourselves as ‘somebody who goes to the gym or a disciplined/healthy/fit/active person’. This perception has the potential to spread into other areas of our life and can have real impact on how we live in those other situations. By thinking for ourselves about our own values first, and then going out and finding a company or field that fits who we are, we are affirming our own inherent worth as an individual. This is a way for us to take back our power. It can be easy to feel like a small cog in a massive often multinational machine of a company. But the truth is each of us have valuable skills, character traits and strengths to offer. It’s time to reframe the inward dialogue and start seeing how lucky most companies would be to have us as part of their team. With that all in mind, how can we get a piece of that hidden jobs market pie?Put simply we need to let the companies know about us before they even know they need us. First we need to make the companies aware of us and then keep contact well before a job even arises. This might mean identifying the key person in your area of interest within the company. Send them an email telling them why you are interested in the company, how you think you are a good fit and most importantly, what you can contribute. Follow up with a phone call after two weeks to keep cultivating that relationship. This makes sure we’re in their bank of potential candidates when they start the recruitment process as soon as a position becomes available. Secondly, we should definitely make sure we are included in any of our friends&#39; referrals. To make sure this happens, <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/making-an-ask-an-unconventional-approach-to-your-next-job">we need to make an ask</a>. Lastly, the onus is on us to have our LinkedIn profile tailored to the specific role or industry we want to pursue. It’s important to remember these are only some ways to go about it. I’m sure you have plenty of ideas of your own. I’d be happy to hear of the creative ways you figured out yourself to build a direct relationship with companies. You can find my email above.

The Hidden Jobs Market - An unconventional approach to your next job

Paddy O' Leary

<h2>According to the Irish Times, the Revenue are set to tell wage-subsidy recipients how much they owe next week</h2>Thousands of workers who availed of State wage subsidies during 2020 will be informed next week by Revenue of any outstanding tax liability associated with those payments.The shortfalls, which could be more than €1,000 for some employees, arise because when the Government rushed to introduce schemes as the Covid-19 pandemic hit last March it did not allow for subsidies to be taxed at source. This means that those who received payments, such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment,must now arrange to settle bills, where they arise, on those payments.The move from Revenue to collect unpaid taxes comes as the Government disclosed that weaker tax receipts for 2020, as well as Covid-related spending, are set to push public finances deep into the red. Exchequer returns for 2020, published by the Department of Finance on Tuesday, reveal that the budget deficit for 2020 is expected to be €19 billion. This contrasts with a surplus of €1.4 billion in 2019.Source: <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/thousands-of-workers-to-get-covid-19-tax-bills-next-week-1.4450928?fbclid=IwAR0B6tpDoPTjxD9H3HexhfSDpzBvme8s4an0ZStgr0zzTPaTS3_nU01oUtI">IRISH TIMES</a>Back in October the Irish Times reported that three-quarters of taxpayers believed the Government should waive tax bills and that most people never understood they were building up tax bills under Covid wage subsidy schemes.The temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS) brought pay up to a maximum 85 per cent of net weekly pay. It also allowed employers, where they could afford it, to top that figure up to a maximum of 100 per cent of net weekly pay.At the time, it was a critical support for companies struggling to keep operating and for their workers. More than 663,000 people availed of the payment at some point. It has since evolved into the employment wage subsidy scheme which is paid at a lower rate.The money was paid without any tax being deducted by Revenue. Many people, who were used to tax being deducted at source, assumed there was no tax liability due for the payments. This was reinforced for them as the money they received was equal to or less than they normally received after tax from their employer.<h4>Payback period</h4>However, the Revenue Commissioners stated that tax would be liable on the payments and that the amounts due would become clear at the end of the tax year.Source: <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/tax-bill-waiver-on-wage-subsidy-schemes-urged-1.4372839"> IRISH TIMES</a>According to Revenue.ie the following information applies;<h1></h1><h1>COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) tax liability</h1>PUP is available to employees and the self-employed who have lost their job on or after 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PUP is paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP).PUP is not taxed in real-time (when it is paid). It is liable to Income Tax (IT) at the end of the year.<h2>How PUP is taxed</h2>In January 2021, Revenue will make a Preliminary End of Year Statement available to you. The Preliminary End of Year Statement will show:<ul><li>detail of any income received and reported by your employer or employers</li><li>information on the amount of PUP you received</li><li>a preliminary calculation of your IT and USC for 2020</li><li>whether your tax position is balanced, underpaid or overpaid for the year.</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>What you need to do</h3>When the Preliminary End of Year Statement is available, you will have an opportunity to update your personal record in <a href="https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/home.html">myAccount</a>. You can do this by completing an Income Tax Return to:<ul><li>declare any additional income</li><li>and</li><li>claim any additional tax credits due, such as qualifying health expenses or the Stay and Spend Credit.</li></ul>The additional information that you provide may impact your final IT or USC position.<h3>What happens if you owe IT?</h3>You can either fully or partially pay any IT liability through the &#39;Payments/Repayments&#39; facility in myAccount.Alternatively Revenue will collect the full or any remaining liability, interest free, by reducing your tax credits over four years (2022 to 2025).The reduction of tax credits will start in January 2022.

Thousands of workers to get Covid-19 tax bills next week

<h2>Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has confirmed that all schools will regrettably remain closed to students from Monday 11 January.</h2>The Government decision, taken on 6 January, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to close schools for the vast majority of students for a period of three weeks.As of Monday 11 January students, including children with special needs, will resort to a programme of remote learning in line with the rest of the government restrictions.There has been continuous engagement with education partners on this matter since Monday, building on weekly engagement between partners and public health throughout the school year.Today Department of Education officials met with education partners including trade unions, and school management bodies to discuss the safe provision of in-person learning to pupils in special classes and special schools and to Leaving Certificate students, and remote learning to other students from Monday 11 January.This meeting was attended on behalf of Public Health by senior public health specialists.In a meeting lasting over two hours Public Health provided their reassurance that it is safe for both students and staff to operate schools at this time utilising the preventative measures that are in place.During that meeting Public Health reiterated their belief that schools are safe environments.Closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level.For children, it impacts on wellbeing, learning, on social and emotional development.School closure has significant impacts on children with special educational needs. School closure also heightens student anxiety, particularly for the Leaving Certificate cohort, in relation to state examinations.In this context the government decided to prioritise in-person teaching and learning for two specific cohorts; pupils/ students attending special schools and classes and final year Leaving Certificate students. This decision was supported by the public health advice available to Government.NPHET and Public Health continue to hold the clear view that schools are safe places, as outlined in the letter to Government from the CMO, published today.Minister Foley said:<blockquote>&quot;It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;My department has engaged with the unions and public health officials with a view to maintaining on site learning for this vulnerable group of students.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;It remains my strong belief that this period of time is crucial for the mental wellbeing of all children with special needs.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders.&quot;</blockquote>

Minister Foley confirms that all schools will remain closed to students

<h2>Safety for children, childcare professionals and parents</h2> 1. Are childcare services safe?Public health experts have confirmed that it is safe for early learning and childcare services to operate. NPHET have advised the Government that the incidence of Covid-19 positive cases in children 12 and under remains significantly lower than the population at large.  Childcare settings remain safe environments for children and staff. Restrictions and closures are in place as part of the wider national effort to reduce movements and dramatically reduce opportunities for the virus to spread. 2. Will there be restrictions on how childcare is managed within centres?No additional measures are required at present. The advice from the national public health experts is that no change is required to the Infection Prevention and Control guidance for settings providing ELC/SAC during the pandemic. Services have been following this guidance effectively since reopening last June and it has helped to minimise risk of spread of infection within settings. As a consequence the incidence of Covid-19 within childcare settings has remained very low.The Department, in conjunction with the HSE, will keep this under review and will update as appropriate. 3. Is there a higher risk from the new variant of Covid-19? Reports from the UK suggest it spreads more easily and that infection rates in children are higher than other Covid-19 strains.  The situation with regard to the new variant of Covid-19 from the UK is being closely monitored.The most recent risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Control states that the new UK variant has increased transmissibility compared to previously circulating variants. It is not clear whether that increased transmissibility applies across all the population age groups. There is no evidence to suggest that people become any more unwell with this new variant. 4. Are there new symptoms which service providers, staff and parents need to look out for? Has the advice on runny noses changed? Services, staff and parents are advised to take a very precautionary approach where a staff member or a child or someone in their household or family unit is displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. They should not attend the service if they or the children are displaying symptoms. They should stay home and contact their GP. If a child becomes newly unwell, such as with a runny nose, then a precautionary approach should be taken to observe them at home for 48 hours, to assess whether any further symptoms develop. Any symptoms of concern should be discussed with their GP. <h2>What childcare services are open, which are closed, and how do I know whether or not to send my child?</h2>5. Closed servicesServices that only operate the ECCE Programme will be closed. 6. Open services, and which children should attend themOther types of services can continue to operate including services that provide full day care, part time day care, stand-alone school age childcare services and childminders.These services are currently only open to eligible children. Eligible children consist of:▫ children who have a parent who is works in an essential service[1]and▫ vulnerable children. Vulnerable children are described below. 7. If parents who work in essential services or parents of vulnerable children wish to avail of additional hours of provision or access a new service, can they do so?Yes, but this is subject to availability and agreement with provider. 8. Why is the ECCE Programme not resuming for January?The rationale for not resuming the ECCE programme is to reduce movement, in line with public health advice. Other provision remains open to enable essential workers to continue to do their job and provide valuable services to vulnerable children. <h2>Understanding ‘essential worker’</h2>9. What is an essential worker?An essential worker is someone who works in an essential service. The full list of essential services is available <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/">here</a>. An essential worker may be working from home. 10. Do both parents need to be essential workers?No. If one parent is an essential worker, their child is eligible to access the service. <h2>Understanding ‘vulnerable children’</h2>11. Who is a vulnerable child?Children who are currently engaged in NCS sponsorship arrangements are all defined as vulnerable for the purposes of determining eligibility to services during the period 11 to 31 January.  These categories are:<ul><li>Children who are in need of additional care and protection as part of the provision of child care and family support services by Tusla, and who are deemed by Tusla to require childcare services in order to promote their welfare</li><li>Children whose families are receiving support under Meitheal</li><li>Children known to the child protection system (level 2 or level 3)</li><li>Children in care </li><li>Children under 4 where a Child and Family Health Needs Assessment has been done by a Public Health Nurse and this has deemed the child to be in need of early intervention and require additional supports under child developmental needs, parental capacity and environmental factors, and where there is an identified need for childcare as an additional support to the home environment to meet the child developmental needs.</li><li>Children of Programme refugees within the meaning of section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015 (IRPP applicants) to enable either parents or children to access education, integration and other relevant supports</li><li>Children whose parents are homeless or moving out of homelessness </li><li>Children of parents under 18 years of age so their parent may remain in education and training through access to childcare services.</li></ul>Children may be vulnerable because of factors related to their personal development, features of their family life, or because of wider influences that impact on them within their community. Some children who fall outside of the above categories may also be considered vulnerable for a range of reasons. Some of these reasons may include<ul><li>Children who experience family poverty; </li><li>Children and families with complex support needs;</li><li>Children living in households where there is domestic violence;</li><li>Children whose families are significantly adversely affected by ill health or bereavement.</li></ul>Providers are requested to make every effort to accommodate vulnerable children. 12. How will vulnerable children be supported to access to servicesFor families who are entitled to NCS support (either through sponsorship arrangements, means-tested subsidies or universal subsidies) or support of the legacy funding schemes, this support will be provided on the basis of non-term-time hours between 11 and 31 January. New applications for NCS continue to be accepted during this time. Arrangements are being made to enable children identified as in need of service provision to access sponsored places on an expedited basis.Further information about applying for the NCS is available <a href="https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/faqs/faq-ncs/">here</a> and local City and County Childcare Committees can assist making arrangements for sponsored children. Contact details for each CCC are <a href="https://myccc.ie/">here</a>.<h2>Accessing services</h2>13. What do I do if I feel I am entitled to access a services (due to being an essential worker or having a vulnerable child) and my provider says that they are closed or cannot take me?In these circumstances, parents are advised to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee. Contact details of CCCs are available here. <h2>Parental Fee</h2>14. I am not an essential worker, and therefore cannot send my children to childcare. Do I still need to pay fees?Early learning and childcare providers have been requested by the Minister for Children to pause payment of fees, return fees paid in advance for the period of service that they have not been able to access, or arrange a credit for another time. The Government has confirmed that the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, which was made available to all childcare services to avail of, will continue at the revised increased rates to ensure the sustainability of the sector where income was adversely affected due to closures or reductions in fee income. 15. I am an essential worker, but have chosen not to send my children to early learning andchildcare. Do I still need to pay fees?If there is no restriction in your access to a service which you have an agreed contract for, the expectation is that fees would still be required.If you wish to change your childcare arrangements, your contract with your provider will indicate what notice period or other conditions will apply.16. If my child is in full time childcare but also has benefit of ECCE hours, will the ECCE hours still be funded? Can my child still avail of full time hours? Will I have to pay extra fees?Children who attend for ECCE hours and additional hours can continue to do so and the ECCE funding should continue to be deducted from their fee. <h2>Vaccinations for Childcare Professionals</h2>17. When will childcare professionals be vaccinated?Currently early learning and childcare practitioners are Priority 11 for vaccination, ahead of people aged 55-64 and workers in other occupations important to the functioning of society. The timing of vaccination will depend on approval of additional vaccinations and supply coming on stream. <h2>Childminding and ‘childminding bubbles’</h2>18. Can childminders still operate?Childminders (both regulated and unregulated) can operate on the same basis as centre-based provision i.e. providing services to the children of essential workers only and to vulnerable children. 19. Can grandparents or other relatives/close friends mind children?A household of an essential worker can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. However, parents are asked to bear in mind the increased risk from Covid-19 for older people. [1] A list of essential services at Level 5 is available at <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essentialservices/">https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essentialservices/</a>

FAQs - Children in Early School Learning & Childcare

While the threat of the Covid Pandemic is still present and restrictions are changing by the day, the fact remains that a lot of people can technically work from virtually anywhere these days. If you had a choice, where in the World would you rather be based to work remotely?While we dream, we’ve taken a look at some countries that are actively encouraging remote workers to spend time with them as they try to boost their local economies.Barbados – Welcome StampThe Barbados Government recently announced the introduction of a 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This new remote work programme establishes a visa to allow people to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months. The visa is available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and whose work is location independent, whether individuals or families. More Information <a href="https://barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/">HERE </a>Iceland - Work in Iceland programIceland allows remote workers to stay for up to six months. To apply, you must work for a non-Icelandic company or be self-employed and have appropriate health insurance. More information can be found <a href="https://work.iceland.is/working/icelands-remote-work-long-term-visa">HERE </a> Mauritius - Premium Travel VisaApplicants must earn their income off-island and can stay for 1 year.Details are scarce, and the application form is still in the works. But according to Mauritius&#39; Economic Development Board website, the only requirements are that applicants work for themselves or companies outside of Mauritius (aka that their source of income is and remains outside of the island); that they provide proof of their long-term stay plans, such as a rental home; and that they have travel and health insurance. More information <a href="https://www.edbmauritius.org/premium-visa">HERE </a>Cayman Islands – Global Citizen Concierge ProgramOffer for remote workers to stay tax free for up to two years. More information <a href="https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-gb/global-citizen-concierge/">HERE </a>Antigua and Barbuda – Nomad Digital Residence ProgramThe program that will allow people to work from there for up to two years. To get this special resident status, workers must prove that they can support themselves as well as any family members joining them. They must also prove that their employers are based outside of the Caribbean country, and must maintain health insurance throughout their stay. More information <a href="https://antiguanomadresidence.com/">HERE </a>Dubai in the United Arab Emirates - One-year Virtual Working ProgramThe visa issued will allow remote workers and their families to stay in the city for up to a year, while working for companies that are based overseas. If approved, they&#39;ll be able to open a local bank account, get a local phone number and internet access, and enrol their kids in school. Best of all, Dubai doesn&#39;t charge any income tax. More information <a href="https://www.visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/dubai-for-business/work-remotely-from-dubai#:~:text=Your%20virtual%20working%20programme%20is,telecoms%2C%20utilities%2C%20and%20schooling.">HERE </a>Estonia - Digital Nomad Visa ProgramThe digital nomad program will be open to all EU and International travellers. Launched officially in August, they say the program is the first of its kind in the European Union.Applicants must prove that they can do their job remotely, and that they are either employed by a company that&#39;s registered outside of Estonia, self-employed with a business that is registered outside of the country, or that they are freelancers that work mostly with clients based outside of the nation. More Information <a href="https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/">HERE </a>Bermuda - Residency Certificate PolicyThe policy allows remote workers and students to live on the Caribbean island for up to a year. In order to qualify, the applicant must be older than 18, have health insurance, supply proof of employment and/or enrollment in an educational program, and show sufficient means and/or a continuous source of income, according to the Government of Bermuda. More Information <a href="https://www.gov.bm/articles/one-1-year-residency-certificate-policy">HERE </a>MexicoLive and work in Mexico for up to four years with the country&#39;s temporary resident visa. Their temporary resident visa allows visitors to live in Mexico for a year and after that, it could be extended for an additional three years. More information <a href="https://fmm-mexico.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fIIPzujtxTFPQrwzdOjZQbBSFmWbyb6pbeme7OQxfflKlibqmlTCZ_AaAuqPEALw_wcB">HERE</a>These are just a few of the options – As a member of the EU and if thinking you’re thinking about remotely working in another EU Country, check out this site for information regarding working and living in another EU Country – <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=851&amp;langId=en">HERE </a>

Destinations around the World  welcoming Remote Workers

An Irish company based in Cork is urgently seeking experienced Aran Hand Knitters to help them complete an order of Aran hand knitted Hats, Scarves, Jumpers and Cardigans for a company in America for Autumn/ Winter 2021.All you need is your own needles, all wool will be supplied.This work is not limited to this year, if you are successful, more work is envisaged for 2022. The Hand Knitted Aran was made popular again recently by Taylor Swift enjoying a revival on an unprecedented scale in the US. When Taylor Swift dropped her album Folklore in July, its title and the Aran jumper she wore for an accompanying photoshoot were a combination calculated to signal authenticity. But Swift was not the first musical artist to use the garment to bolster such a message. In the early 1960s, Irish musicians the Clancy Brothers, who emerged in the hip Greenwich Village folk scene that would also make Bob Dylan, famously wore Aran jumpers on the Ed Sullivan Show.The garment signals both heritage and modernity, the hand-knit is made from báinín (undyed yarn) and was first made for the islanders’ fishermen.The jumpers became a favourite for American visitors, they&#39;d buy them in the dozen on their visits to Ireland.If you would like to find out more information please contact Helen Moynihan on 087 2231919 or send her an email helenbweeng@gmail.com

Experienced Aran Hand Knitters Required

<h2>The National Minimum Wage increased on 1 January 2021 from €10.10 to €10.20 per hour.</h2>All employees in Ireland who currently earn €10.10, should see a 10 cent increase in their hourly salary. Employers in Ireland must comply with the National Minimum Wage Act, with the exception of certain employment of people under the age of 18 or people employed pursuant to Employment Regulation Orders and registered employment agreements. Employers should be sure to raise salaries to meet the new minimum wage. Intra-Company Transfer Permit and Contract for Services Permit holders allow employers to count certain allowances, such as housing or health insurance, toward meeting the minimum salary threshold required for the visa category. Employers should adjust the base remuneration to meet the higher national minimum wage before adding the allowances.Employers should identify employees whose salaries require adjustment and make the appropriate increases to meet the new statutory minimum wage. Employers should also consider this when hiring any new employees.Back in Oct when it was first announced, Minister Heather Humphreys said that the move would benefit 122,000 low-paid workers.She said; “I also want to ensure that the increase in the minimum wage does not result in employers having to pay a higher level of PRSI charge solely due to this increase,” she said.“I will make regulations that will increase the employer PRSI threshold from €395 currently to €398 from 1 January 2021.”The recommendation for a 10c rise in the minimum wage was made last month by the Low Pay Commission.However, trade unions withdrew at a late stage from the government-established commission. This followed a disagreement between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and other members over the proposed rate of increase. The move led to clashes in the Dáil between the Taoiseach and Mary Lou McDonald. The Sinn Féin leader accused the government of turning its back on workers.   Micheál Martin, on the other hand, accused Sinn Féin of trying to make political capital from the dispute. More information on Employment Rights and Conditions, Pay and Employment can be found here;<a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/pay_and_employment/pay_inc_min_wage.html">https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/pay_and_employment/pay_inc_min_wage.html</a>

Minimum wage increased from €10.10 to €10.20 per hour

What better way to spend your time, if you’re finding yourself at a lose end during Lockdown. Check out the many volunteer opportunities available on websites such as I-VOL or Volunteer.ie. You can take part in important research, light up someone&#39;s day by writing letters to people in various care centres. Use your skills by doing some social media management for important support services. There’s so many different opportunities.The Irish Genealogical Research society are looking for volunteers to help with creating hugely important databases of genealogically valuable records. More hands are always needed to move these projects along. Current projects include a Registry of Deeds and Early Irish marriages.Transcribe a story in Irish or English from the Dúchas Schools Collection and discover traditional lore, crafts, customs and local history.Help the National Biodiversity Data Centre with their new initiative ‘Backyard Biodiversity’, to record species found in gardens. The scheme seeks to obtain sightings of 20 recognisable species that can be found in urban and rural gardens. This is something that the whole family can get involved with.Take part in the Be My Eyes project where every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects people for visual assistance through live video calls.Count penguins in remote regions to help Oxford University, understand their lives and environment. Penguins are globally loved but under threat. Why are penguin populations are in decline? Help monitor penguins and answer this question.The National Library of Ireland also need help with dating and providing information on images. They use ‘The Commons’ on Flickr to upload hundreds of photos, prints and manuscripts. The public are then invited to help date and provide information on the images, helping add to the National Library’s archive.Read more and volunteer through the following sites;<a href="https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/">https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/</a>and<a href="https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/">https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/</a>

Ever thought about volunteering – well now you can do it virtually.

Pamela Doyle

<h2>SIPTU calls for the fast tracking of recruitment for thousands of health care staff in the fight against COVID-19</h2>SIPTU representatives have called on the management of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to fast track the recruitment of thousands of additional staff as a matter of urgency in the fight against COVID-19.SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “The health service is under incredible pressure right now and health care workers are extremely fearful that they will not have the numbers to meet the challenges from the next wave of this virus. The health service cannot close, health care workers have worked around the clock fighting COVID-19 every day since early 2020 and face the new year with possibly their gravest challenge yet. They are exhausted and must have the necessary resources to ensure we win this battle while we await the roll out of the vaccine in the weeks and months ahead. The Department of Health and HSE must now do all in their power to ensure health care workers have the necessary resources needed to provide life-saving care on the frontline.”The Government pledged an additional €4 billion for the health service in Budget 2021. The funding was earmarked to prioritise the development of health services in the community, deliver 2,600 additional beds and recruit up to 16,000 additional healthcare staff. SIPTU is demanding these initiatives are fast tracked so that the health care workforce is fully supported in the challenging weeks and months ahead.He added: “Since the budget announcement in October, our members have seen little evidence of additional recruitment to assist the front line workforce within the health service. It is essential that roadblocks are removed for vitally needed healthcare workforce supports. Our members within the Acute, Community, Primary, Mental Health and National Ambulance Service settings urgently need additional resources. National approval for local recruitment must be issued to ensure additional staffing levels can be secured in the shortest timeframe possible.” Date Released: 04 January 2021Source; <a href="https://www.siptu.ie/media/pressreleases2019/mainnews/fullstory_22204_en.html">https://www.siptu.ie/media/pressreleases2019/mainnews/fullstory_22204_en.html</a>

Calls to fast track recruitment for Healthcare & Ambulance Services

Have you tapped the huge potential in telling as many people as possible that you know personally about your job search? This is especially worthwhile in such a small country like Ireland where if you don’t already know somebody in your desired industry or job, you probably know somebody who knows somebody. This might sound like the headbangers whose claim to fame is that their sister’s fourth cousin’s uncle is the president of Ireland. But hold your cynicism for a second. Any human connection is better than no connection. People like to work with, hire, do business with people they already know including people who the people they know, know! This is about trust. Those who can be even reasonably trusted get more doors opened for them and faster. But this won’t happen by itself. First we need to make an ask. In other words, let people know we&#39;re on the lookout for opportunities so that they can open them for us. Or they can connect us with their friends who can.People love to help. It’s important we reframe this idea of asking for help. Think of it this way. By asking for help we are giving people the opportunity to help us. When we consider how much meaning, purpose, and how much of a kick we get out of helping others, why not give this same feeling to them by asking for a hand? Of course there’s a difference between making an ask and being a pain in the ass. As long as we show initiative and don’t expect others to do all of the heavy lifting for us, people are always happy to help.In order to make an ask we first need to have a general sense of what we are asking for. We don’t even need to be specific. For example, we don’t need to know that our former colleague has a sister who could get us an interview with a company we’d like to work for. How could we possibly know that information anyway? However we do need to have a strong sense of a general direction from our side. This direction might be knowing what role we’d like to work at, what industry we’d like to start in, the people or company we’d like to work for or even the location we’d like to be employed in. All we need is one general sense of our desire. After that it’s about naturally expressing this desire with as many people as you can. Not in the sense of complaining that we are not there yet. Nobody wants to listen to or help a moaning Michael. Instead with a sense of excitement about the possibility of your desire becoming a reality. That’s all we need to do. We often underestimate the power of speaking our desire. Perhaps no opportunities arise the first few times. But each time we speak our desire, we become clearer and clearer on what it is we want. On top of that, those we talk to can help us see different routes towards our goals we might never have considered. People are inherently helpful. When we affirm their good qualities and put things out there by making an ask, we can be surprised by how opportunities will seem to unfold out of nowhere.

Making an ask - An unconventional approach to your next job

<h1></h1><h2></h2><h2>Workers affected by updated Level 5 restrictions advised to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) ONLINE to ensure payment is made as quickly as possible.</h2>Today, the Government reintroduced Level 5 restrictions of the Plan for Living with Covid across the country. These restrictions come into effect at midnight 30th December and will remain in place until 31st January 2021.The measures taken will have an impact on the economic life of the country and consequently people whose jobs are affected by the restrictions can avail of income support through the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for the period they are out of work.Minister Humphreys said:<blockquote>“The decision taken by Government today reflects the seriousness of the situation we currently face. I recognise that this decision will have an impact on people’s livelihoods and this is why I want to remind people who have lost their job that they should apply for PUP income support. The quickest and easiest way to do so is online via <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie">www.MyWelfare.ie</a>”</blockquote>The Minister continued:<blockquote>“I have put arrangements in place to ensure that those who require PUP income support will, provided they are eligible, receive this as quickly as possible.”</blockquote>People who have been made unemployed from 30th December and who apply online by 5pm on 31st December will receive a payment on Tuesday 5th January once they are eligible.People who are diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus or who have to self-isolate and are medically certified by their doctor, also have the option of applying for the Enhanced Illness Benefit online at <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie">www.MyWelfare.ie</a>.Full information on the Enhanced Illness Benefit is available here. To contact the Department of Social Protection by phone, the helpline number is 1890 800 024, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).To find out what supports are available for me during the COVID-19 pandemic go to <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/covid-19-payments/">www.MyWelfare.ie </a>or go to the Citizens Information website <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/covid19/covid19_overview.html">HERE</a> <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/covid19/covid19_overview.html"></a>

Apply online for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment 

<h2>Three Enterprise Ireland supported companies based in Galway are in the process of creating 30 new high-quality jobs</h2><li>Palliare, a medical device company, has hired 10 new employees in recent months</li><ul><li>Flexwork company, Ronspot, intends to have a total of 10 new employees on board by Spring 2021, and has hired five people since September. Ronspot is a technology company which enables the flexible workplace between office and home</li><li>Venari Medical filled three new positions in October and have plans to recruit up to 10 new employees in the coming months</li></ul>Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said:<blockquote>&quot;This is very positive news for Galway. These three Galway-based companies are working in high growth areas and their success shows the power of indigenous enterprise. Congratulations to the teams at Palliare, Ronspot and Venari Medical on these milestones, I look forward to seeing your continued growth.&quot;</blockquote>Enterprise Ireland Regional Director Michael Brougham said:<blockquote>&quot;This has been a challenging year for businesses but many Irish exporting companies are continuing to grow and recruit talented, innovative employees. Palliare, Ronspot and Venari Medical are in the process of filling 30 new positions. Some have already been recruited and others will be filled in the coming months. This is really positive news for Galway and the western region. It proves that local innovation is having a global impact and these companies are competing and winning in international markets.&quot;</blockquote>Caroline O’Dea of Managing Director of Palliare said:<blockquote>&quot;Further to recent US FDA clearance of our EVA15 insufflator product, we are now ramping up our manufacturing operation in preparation for a US launch early in 2021. We have also continued to grow our R&amp;D capacity further to the company securing EU Horizon 2020 funding to complete development and release of the EndoTrap and LeakTrap surgical safety products. We are grateful for the support from Enterprise Ireland and Western development Commission as we progress into the market.&quot;</blockquote>Michael Furey of Ronspot said:<blockquote>&quot;The support Ronspot has received from Enterprise Ireland has been crucial to our growth and for allowing us to make long term plans for servicing our market and international customers. As a native Galwegian I am passionate about developing the region and creating jobs and value. There is some amazingly talent to draw on and having the right supports in place helps it all fall into place.&quot;</blockquote>Stephen Cox of Venari Medical said:<blockquote>&quot;We gained seed investment of €4.5 million this year to focus on preparation for First In Human clinical trials of our BioVena™ medical device next year. BioVena™ is a novel Class II catheter which uses the body’s natural response for the office-based treatment of chronic venous disease and venous leg ulcers, which affects 1 in 4 adults across the globe. We’ve recently added three talented R&amp;D and Quality Engineers to our Galway team based at the new Innovation Hub at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). We are looking to expand again in 2021 with hires across R&amp;D, Quality and Regulatory Affairs to bring BioVena™ through international regulatory approvals and commercialisation, and to further internal innovation in the development of new novel product lines for the treatment of unmet endovascular needs.&quot;From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Published on 30 December 2020Last updated on 30 December 2020</blockquote>

30 new jobs across 3 Companies in Galway

The government has today agreed that Level 5 as set out in the Plan for Living with COVID-19 will apply nationally.This will come into effect at midnight tonight, 30 December for all measures, with the exception of non-essential retail and gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools. These businesses should close from close of business on 31 December. Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until midnight on 31 January 2021.The government has considered a number of factors in arriving at this decision, particularly NPHET concerns that the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 has continued to deteriorate very substantially.It is recognised that this decision will have an impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, but the clear message is that we must all now stay at home, with the exception of essential purposes, in order to stop the spread of the virus. Supports such as the PUP and the CRSS will continue to be made available to those impacted. A double payment of the CRSS, up to a maximum of €5,000 a week will be available to those subject to restrictions this week and next week. Furthermore, businesses affected will be able to avail of commercial rates relief for the first three months of 2021. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also available to help maintain people in jobs, along with extensive tax warehousing arrangements, reduced VAT rates, the spend and stay scheme, a range of reduced cost loans, grants and voucher schemes.The government further agreed that the ban on air travel and passenger travel on ferries from the UK will be extended to 6 January. As a similar new strain has been identified in South Africa, this ban will also apply to South Africa until 6 January.<h2>Overview of restrictions</h2><h3>Family and social gatherings</h3><ul><li>no visitors are permitted in private homes/gardens (except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble)</li><li>no social/family gatherings should take place in other settings</li><li>people may meet with people from one other household in outdoor settings when taking exercise</li></ul><h3>Weddings and funerals</h3><ul><li>weddings planned up to and including 2 January may proceed as planned, up to a maximum of 25 guests. Weddings from 3 January may proceed, but with a maximum of 6 guests</li><li>funerals may have up to 10 mourners</li></ul><h3>Domestic travel restrictions</h3><ul><li>people will be required to stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, and will be permitted to take exercise within 5km of home</li><li>people away from their place of residence on 31 December will be permitted to return to their place of residence</li></ul><h3>Retail and personal services</h3><ul><li>all retail, other than essential retail must close from close of business on 31 December</li><li>all non-essential services remain closed</li><li>click and collect services will be available</li></ul><h3>Work</h3><ul><li>work from home unless essential for work which is an essential health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home</li></ul><h3>Schools, early learning and childcare services, higher and adult education</h3><ul><li>early learning and childcare services open with protective measures</li><li>schools open from 11 January with further review on precise situation in advance of that date</li><li>higher, further and adult education should remain primarily online</li></ul><h1>Statement by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin on the re-introduction of Level 5 restrictions of the Plan for Living with COVID-19</h1><h1></h1>From Department of the Taoiseach By: An Taoiseach; Micheál MartinPublished on 30 December 2020Just eight days ago, I stood here and explained why we needed to introduce a range of strict new controls in the effort to curb this latest wave of COVID infections.I explained that while we didn’t, at that stage, have evidence that the new, more virulent strain of COVID was in our country, the safest and most responsible thing to do was to proceed on the assumption that it was already here.Unfortunately, that fear proved to be correct.On Christmas Eve, we received the news we had feared – confirmation that the new strain is indeed in our country.While international research into this new variant is ongoing, it is already very clear that we are dealing with a strain of the disease that spreads much, much more quickly.Indeed, it is spreading at a rate that has surpassed the most pessimistic models available to us.With the disease spreading much faster, the threat of our health system being overwhelmed and the risk of increased sickness and death among our vulnerable and older populations is obvious.And it has become urgent.In the week before Christmas, we were seeing about 5% of tests coming back as COVID-positive.Yesterday, 18% of those tested were infected with the disease.Over the last seven days, more than 8,000 cases have been confirmed. That is a 61% increase on the previous week.This latest surge is different to the second wave. We are seeing rising incidence of the disease across all age groups, especially those aged 19-24 and a very worrying increase among those aged 65 and older.During the second wave, there was a long delay between an increase in cases and an increase in hospital admissions.This time is very different.We are already seeing a sharp rise in the number of hospital admissions. This morning, there were 454 COVID patients in hospital. It has almost doubled in a week.The Reproduction number is currently estimated at between 1.6 and 1.8.The situation is extremely serious.The numbers will deteriorate further over the coming days.As we have navigated the different phases of this crisis together, I have always been clear that we will do what we need to do to suppress the virus when it is growing;and it is now growing exponentially.The truth is, that with the presence of the new strain and the pace of growth, this is not a time for nuance in our response.We must apply the brakes to movement and physical interaction across the country.We must return to full scale, Level 5 restrictions for a period of at least one month.In practice, that will mean the following further restrictions:<ul><li>from this evening, no visitors are permitted in private homes or gardens, unless they are providing care to children, the elderly or vulnerable, or are part of a support bubble</li></ul><ul><li>no social or family gatherings should take place in any setting. There will be an exemption for weddings, where up to 6 guests will be allowed, and funerals, where up to 10 mourners will be allowed</li></ul><ul><li>you should stay at home, except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, or to take exercise within 5km of home</li></ul><ul><li>all non-essential retail and gyms will close tomorrow at close of business</li></ul><ul><li>all public health analysis is showing that schools are safe, and schools will reopen, but slightly delayed to 11th January</li></ul><ul><li>by extending the break by 3 days the new restrictions I am announcing this evening will be in place for more than 10 days when schools open. Families will have had an opportunity to ensure that their contacts are minimised before children return to school.</li></ul>The last time that we faced such restrictive measures was when this disease first exploded in our midst in early 2020.I am deeply conscious that we are in a very different space now.We are all weary, from the bottom of our hearts, of this disease and the impact it has had on our lives.The next month, as we face into these strictest controls in the depth of winter, is going to be very tough for everyone.But there is another key difference between then and now.After a year of the most extraordinary effort by the most talented scientific minds on earth, we have safe and effective vaccines.We have the most technologically advanced factories in history working around the clock producing this life saving intervention, and we have a global supply chain distributing it around the world.For the first time since this awful disease landed on our shores, we truly have an end in sight.Thousands of vaccines are arriving here weekly, and by the end of January, I am confident that many tens of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens and our healthcare workers will have been vaccinated.The vaccines are now being administered efficiently and safely, but this will take time. The virus can still do immense damage until we have progressed much, much further with the vaccination programme.We are a society that looks out for the people around us.And what we are doing now with these new restrictions is working to keep as many of our parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends safe until such time as they have been vaccinated.This disease and the response it requires is causing massive disruption to our society and it is undermining our economy.It is having an effect on the mental health of young and old that we will not understand for some time to come.It is costing billions of Euro.But the most important responsibility that we all share is to protect the lives of those we love.The actions that we are taking – as a society and as individuals – is saving lives.We will rebuild the economy, we will repair the damage to our society.We will come to terms with this crisis and make sense of the trauma we have all been through in due course.We will do all these things, and we will start them this coming year, because the vaccine now exists.But right now, this is what we must do.We must stay at home and eliminate contact with others now, to make sure that as many of our people as possible are still with us to enjoy the better, brighter days that are up ahead.<blockquote>Beidh spiorad na meithle, aire, cúram agus foighne ag teastáil san míonna amach romhainn go dtí go dtiocfaidh éifeacht na vaisciní i bhfeidhm. Idir an dalinn, caithfimid a bheith ciallmhar agus cúramach agusna srianta Leibhéal a Cúig seo a leanúint. Táim cinntego dtiocfaimid slán. Caithfimid a bheith dóchasach.</blockquote><blockquote>Mar a deir an seanfhocal, is é an dóchas lia gach anró.</blockquote><blockquote>Beannachtaí na hAthbhliana oraibh uilig.</blockquote>Go raibh maith agaibh.Source: https://www.gov.ie/en/publications/

Level 5 to come into effect midnight 30th December 2020

2020, the year of Lockdowns, adjusting to working from home, losing jobs, losing loved ones, home schooling, staying away from family and friends, travel plans dashed.  It’s affected us all differently – but one thing for sure is that none of us have escaped being impacted in some way or other.  During the Christmas break it could be a great time to disconnect, recharge the batteries and take time out for yourself.Hopefully the following tips will help; - Properly disconnect, switch off devices unless they’re really necessary. - Take a walk, without the phone.- Only send crucial messages or emails to your staff or work colleagues.- Wrap yourself in a warm blanket and read a book.- Bake cookies.- Que the music – line up all your favourites.- Play a board game.- Put on your favourite Christmas Movie.- Breath - try the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ&amp;list=PLIv3RMSL1EWaTO17ptnaWdcooou4rfrgz&amp;ab_channel=WimHof">Wim Hof method</a> – for breathing exercises.- Get in the sea/lake or take a cold shower to reset the mind.- Develop a night routine before bed - 1 hour before bedtime no screens (TV, phone), stretch, meditate, read fiction (hardback). - To also help with sleep, cut out caffeine for a couple of days and see can you notice a difference.Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful break this Christmas, keep the spirits up and hopefully 2021 will be kinder to us all.<ul> </ul>Mind yourself, Love from the JobAlert.ie Team

Tips on how you can be kind to yourself over Christmas & New Year

This article is the second of a series of four articles titled ‘An unconventional approach to your next job’ dropping each week for the rest of December. “What do you do?” We’ve all heard and asked this question too many times than we’d like to remember. Some might say it’s a way to get a sense of who somebody is, what they’re about. It helps in continuing the conversation when we meet new people in the hopes that what they do is somehow fundamental to who they are. While our work can be the source of great meaning and purpose in our lives, we are not our job. We are not the amount of hours we clock in, the money we’re paid or even the things we get paid for. We as individuals and our lives are not defined by how we happen to make a living. A job also doesn’t need to provide us with all we want out of life. If we are to wait around until we find the perfect job that ticks all of our boxes, we might sooner end up in a box before we find what we’re looking for. We are not saying that a job isn’t important. Of course it is. But as most of us during this last year are beginning to realize, there is much more to life than what we get paid for. 
So instead of asking “what do you do?”, we might ask “what do you create?”. If you find yourself or the other person giving you a knee-jerk bullshit response, in some form of “I’m not creative”, it is your responsibility to rid them of this self-limiting belief immediately. Creating or being creative is not limited to the traditional art forms and whether you are a professional at it or not. Creativity is by definition, as wide and varied as you can imagine. Some people might create delicious homemade bread, others create a loving home for their family, others still might create comedy sketches. The point is we don’t all need to become ‘professional’ for us to experience the value in the act of creating. Of course, being paid a living for these passions can be a bonus, but monetary payment doesn’t need to be the standard from which we measure the value of creating itself. It&#39;s important to remember the great satisfaction we can get out of other areas of our lives independent from our jobs. 
So if we let go of the idea that our job needs to tick all of the boxes, how else are we to decide which position is right for us? There are no universally correct answers to this question. This requires an honest look at the totality of our own current life which includes our relationships, our hobbies and passions, our health and our job. In this way we can assess which boxes are or can be ticked by different aspects of our lives. This then takes the pressure off on how much a job needs to provide for us to be satisfied. For example, perhaps we’re a football coach in our local town. This will probably provide us with plenty of meaning and social value. If we already get these benefits from a hobby like coaching, we may not need to get it from our job. Instead we can really narrow down on what is currently lacking in our lives and decide upon our next job by considering which one would best provide what we want. While at the same time letting go of the imaginary notion of a perfect job which allows us to get on with the less desirable aspects and focus on the positive ones. You might have got to the end of this article now without the sense of completion inside that usually comes from finding an answer or next course of action. It might be worth repeating, we&#39;re not giving you any answers because we trust you can do that for yourself.

You are not your job - An unconventional approach to your next job

Given that tens of thousands will lose their jobs yet again on Christmas Eve the Department of Social Protection has provided details of the arrangements for the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP).It said: “In essence, anybody who applies for PUP online via www.MyWelfare.ie anytime up to and including Christmas Eve will receive that payment within a week of their application.A person who makes a new application for PUP in the period from the 18th December up to and including close of business today the 22nd will receive their payment on the 24th of December.A person who makes a new application for PUP by close of business on Wednesday 23rd December will receive payment on Wednesday 30th December.A person who makes a new application for PUP by close of business on Thursday 24th December will receive a payment on Thursday 31st December.A person who makes a new application for PUP on any date from the 25th to close of business on 31st of December will be paid on the normal PUP payment date of Tuesday the 5th of January.Applications can be made on line here; <a href="https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/covid-19-payments/">https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/covid-19-payments/</a>

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