Almost 300,000 people now receive the puppy as a € 350 fee refund

ALMOST 300,000 PEOPLE are receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), and the maximum rate of € 350 per week has returned to its place.

295,860 people received the payment this week, an increase of 51,700 from last week.

The Level 5 restrictions went into effect across the country at midnight last Wednesday, prompting the closure of many non-essential businesses.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said this week’s figures “reflect the economic impact of the decision to move to Level 5.”

“I know these have been a really difficult few days, especially for those who have temporarily lost their jobs or whose businesses have had to close. I know people are worried about the next few weeks, ”he said.

“But I also know that we have the ability to suppress this virus and protect lives.”

Last week there was an increase of just over 15,000 people in receiving payment.

The Department of Social Protection paid 85.6 million euros to people who received the PUP today, an increase of 20 million euros over the amount paid last week.

The sector with the largest number of people who receive payment is accommodation and catering with more than 90,000 people.

This week’s PUP figures add to the more than 211,000 people on the live record at the end of September.

The highest PUP rate was restored to € 350 from today’s payments onwards for those earning more than € 400 per week before the pandemic.

Rates below that are € 300, € 250 and € 203 per week.