A campaign by members of the SIPTU Construction Sector employed in Tara Mines in Navan, County Meath, was crucial in securing reform of the social welfare system, which since October 2024 has resulted in laid-off workers receiving 60% of their previous gross weekly wage up to a maximum of €450 a week.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “This progressive reform of the social welfare system was introduced by the Government in the midst of a high-profile campaign by laid off Tara Mines workers following their lay off in 2023. The campaign was based around the long established ICTU position that such a reform of the social welfare system was essential.”
He added: “The financial fallout for families and the local economy was brought into sharp focus this time last year when the 650-strong workforce in Tara Mines were laid off. When someone earning, say, €40,000 or €50,000 is suddenly laid off, their mortgage and other bills don’t stop. They have an immediate need for this benefit. This support is taken for granted by people in mainland Europe. For us, this is a welcome step in the right direction for Ireland.”
According to the new scheme, payments to workers will reduce to 55%, capped at €375 a week for months four, five and six; and to 50%, capped at €300 for months seven, eight and nine. If the worker is still unemployed after nine months, they can transfer over to the means-tested payment for the long-term unemployed, Jobseeker’s Assistance (€232).
An unemployed worker who has worked and paid PRSI for between two and five years will receive 50% of their previous gross weekly wage up to a maximum of €300 for the first six months of unemployment.