Number on PUP scheme rises to more than 75,000

The number of people claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has increased by more than 8,700 in the last week, according to new figures from the Department of Social Protection.

A total of 75,648 people availed of the payment this week, after losing their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an increase of 8,743 compared with last week.

The total value of PUP payments issued over the week was €19.3 million, the department said.

The numbers on the pandemic unemployment scheme do not include a further 164,626 people on the Live Register, as of the end of November.

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The hospitality sector had the highest number of people claiming the PUP, with 16,098 out of work, followed by 12,207 people in the retail sector, and more than 8,000 people who had worked in administration roles now on the scheme.

The PUP scheme was reopened for new applicants from December 7th, for workers who have been impacted by fresh public health restrictions, amid the current wave of Covid-19.

The rate of payment is based on an applicant’s previous weekly earnings, with five rates of weekly payments from €350 down to €150.

A department spokeswoman said officials were using Revenue data to verify the past earnings and employment status of applicants to the scheme.

A further 25,000 people were receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit, a payment for people forced to miss work due to Covid-19 infection, or as they were self-isolating as a close contact.