Responding to the restrictions on businesses in the hospitality and events sectors, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Patricia King told the most recent government meeting with the sectors that:
Congress fully supports the measures introduced by Government to slow the spread of Covid-19 amid the potential threat posed by the Omicron variant. We must continue to be cautious given the high levels of transmission and the unremitting strain on our health service workers.
She added: “It was the correct decision to reopen the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The PUP proved to be vital in maintaining social cohesion and widespread support for the public health measures during lockdown. If this goodwill is to continue during these latest restrictions, affected workers continue to need assurance from Government that their income is adequately protected.”
However, she stated that: an urgent review of the adequacy of supports for impacted businesses and workers is needed. We need to protect jobs for workers to return to when these restrictions are lifted. Recognising the inability of the current Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to target higher state supports to firms hit by a reduction in demand, this highlights the necessity to introduce a genuine Short Time Work Scheme. Such schemes are a permanent feature of the welfare system in other high-income EU peer countries.
Ms. King added: “The ERSI findings demonstrate little or no improvement in the high reporting of Covid-19 certificates going unchecked in hospitality settings which is very alarming. These are workplaces as well as places of business. Businesses found not in compliance with Public Health Advice and regulations should not benefit from state supports"
