Employer / Employee Supports

• The government’s general information page for employers and employees is at
  https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/4cf0e2-covid-19-coronavirus-information-for-employers-and-employees-test/.
• Employees of businesses that need to reduce hours or days worked can avail of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Short-time Work Support: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support/.

• COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme: This scheme allows employers to pay their employees during the current pandemic. Employers will be refunded up to 70 percent of an employee's wages - up to a level of €410.
  Employers must self-declare to Revenue that they have experienced significant negative economic disruption due to COVID-19, with a minimum of 25% decline in turnover, and an inability to pay normal wages and other outgoings, in accordance with guidance to be issued by Revenue. Employers can obtain further information on the Revenue website https://revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/covid19/temporary-covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme.aspx. For more information visit https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment: Employees and the self-employed – For those workers who have been laid off without pay, there is no need to visit an Intreo Centre. The DEASP has introduced a new support payment for the self-employed who have lost business and to employees who have lost employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This support pays a flat rate of €350 per week and will be in place for twelve weeks (previously announced as €203 per week for a six-week period). For more information visit https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/.
• COVID-19 Illness Benefit: Employees that have contracted the COVID-19 virus, or who are required medically to self-isolate, can claim an illness benefit €350 per week (increased from €305 announced previously). It will be paid for up to twelve weeks for those required to self-isolate, or for the duration of the person’s absence from work if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19. For more information visit https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/.

• Employers must be vigilant in their understanding of the legal concerns under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2014 and may need to seek professional legal advice in certain circumstances.

Details of the facilities recommended by Government as supports for working capital constraints.

Updated advice provided by Revenue to further assist businesses that are experiencing trading difficulties caused by the impacts of COVID-19.

Suggestions for maintaining communication with employees, customers, and suppliers during this time.

Key items to check relating to insurance.

Preparing for recovery after the shutdown.

Although our offices are now closed and we are working remotely, Walsh O’Brien Harnett remains open for business, and we are keen to assist our clients to navigate these choppy waters. Remote-working measures are in place for all staff to ensure continuity of service. The partners continue to be available via email and telephone as required, and encourage you to make contact.

We will update our website with the latest information as and when it becomes available: www.wobh.ie/resources/covid-19.

Frank Walsh: 086 8304857
Andrew Kevitt: 086 8568965
Joe O'Brien: 086 0853132
Ronan O'Brien: 087 9877905
Conal Sherry: 086 3591696