Time is running out to stop unemployment payment cuts, says TD Mitchell

Time is running out for the Government to halt planned cuts to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, says Sinn Fein TD Denise Mitchell.

The Dublin Bay North Deputy said today: “There is now just one week left until the government’s planned PUP cuts are due to take place on 7th September.

“These cuts will see workers’ incomes slashed by €50 per week in many cases, and by even more for other workers including younger workers.

“The clock is ticking on this vital issue and time is running out.

“Thousands of workers are anxiously looking to 7th September when their income is due to drop considerably.

“Their finances will be devastated by these changes, especially younger workers whose Jobseeker’s is capped at just €112.70 per week and can be even lower if they live at home with their family due to means testing.

“This should not be happening while sectors remain shut due to public health advice.

“These workers are unable to return to work due to no fault of their own and are being prevented by the government from returning to work.

“It should follow that the government will not punish them unfairly for this.

“These workers are not unemployed, they have jobs already and are not seeking work elsewhere,” she said.

Deputy Mitchell said she is making an “urgent appeal” to Minister Heather Humphreys “to do the right thing.”

“Workers in sectors which remain closed have been badly let down by this government, which has failed to properly engage with sectors and understand their needs.

“Minister Humphreys has gone into hiding in recent weeks and refused to come out publicly and explain to workers why she is insisting on ploughing ahead with these cuts despite sectors remaining closed.

“Ministers have speculated that all restrictions may be lifted towards the end of October, which would be a very welcome development and an important step towards normality if it can be delivered in a safe and manageable way in line with public health advice.

“If these sectors will be able to return to work then, it should follow that the government should maintain the current rates of PUP in the time period until then.

“Slashing the PUP for the six week period in between will only cause unnecessary financial hardship and do nothing to help workers return to work.”