Last Thursday, Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe reminded employers that the graduated step-down of EWSS supports for many businesses began on 1 February. The weekly flat rate subsidy for February for most employees is €203, which will reduce to €100 per employee for March and April. The Minister also reminded employers affected by the December restrictions of the enhanced supports available to them.
The Minister noted:
“The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme represents a substantial and key part of this Government’s response to the current crisis. It has been an extremely successful policy intervention and one which has greatly assisted us in maintaining the link between employers and employees.
Without the support of EWSS, many businesses would simply not be in existence today and would certainly not be in a position to adapt as responsively as they have to the reopening of all sectors of our economy. The EWSS operates as a highly effective and responsive instrument. At the same time, we must seek to ensure it is withdrawn at the right time.
We are now shifting our focus towards the phased exit from the scheme, which is commencing this month for most businesses as they transition to the reduced rates of subsidy. Those businesses that were directly impacted by the most recent public health regulations of last December, will continue to receive the enhanced rates of support for the month of February and commence the transition to the reduced rates of subsidy from 1 March 2022.
As I said previously, it is important in everyone’s interest we exit from this scheme and I believe that now is the appropriate time to commence this transition.”
Read the full press release here.
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