Sharp fall in number of PUP claims in Clare

WITH the economy reopening the number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Clare is on the way down, writes Owen Ryan.
The numbers receiving the PUP dropped from 8,170 on May 25 to 6,408 on June 15, a decrease of more than 21%.
At one point last year, there were almost 15,000 Clare people receiving it.
The resumption of hospitality and non-essential retail in recent weeks has been a major factor in the numbers reducing.
With further reopening expected over the course of the summer, the number claiming the state support is likely to drop further.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that the figures are falling and the trend is likely to continue.
“This week, we have seen another fall in the number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as we continue to make progress in reopening our economy and suppressing the virus.
“In fact, there are now over 214,000 fewer people being supported by the PUP compared to the second week of February.
“Over the past seven days alone, almost 24,000 people closed their PUP claims in order to return to work. Therefore, we are expecting further falls in the overall PUP numbers in the weeks ahead.”
Minister Humphreys urged the public to remain safe, while she urged people to support their local businesses.
“I would like to acknowledge the huge efforts being made by employers as they reopen, many through reconfiguring their business to accommodate their customers and staff and ensuring safety is paramount at all times.
“I would ask people to support their local economy, as well as the likes of our hotels, B&Bs and other businesses in our hospitality sector.
“Day in and day out, we are continuing to make significant progress in relation to our vaccination programme.
“Let’s keep our guard up, continue to work from home where possible and continue to maintain social distancing guidelines.
“Due to the efforts that people are making, we have real grounds for optimism in relation to the summer months ahead.”
The PUP will remain open to new entrants up until June 30. From then it will be closed to new applicants and people who find themselves out of work from then can apply for jobseeker’s payment.