Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher has urged companies based in the Border region to take up the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme rather than letting go of employees during this public health emergency.
Senator Gallagher stated: “I have repeatedly been onto the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection seeking clarity for the cross-Border workers who find themselves with no support after losing their jobs because of the pandemic. Despite my repeated representations on this matter the government seem unable to find a solution to support those workers.
“Therefore, I would urge companies in the Border region, who know a large proportion of their workforce reside in Northern Ireland but travel South to work, should avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme offered by Revenue. This is the only solution to keep employees receiving an income while the company reduces their outgoing salary commitments during this unprecedented time.
“One anomaly with the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is the ineligibility of those over 66 to receive the payment. This therefore is one solution for companies with employees over 66 who would want to see their employee maintain their income, as they are not eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment.
“The pandemic unemployment payment was introduced in rapid time but has flaws. This work around will ensure many cross border employees will retain some sort of income during this public health emergency.”
