140000 people laid off in four days

[Laniakea]

"An estimated 140,000 people have been laid off in Ireland since emergency measures to combat coronavirus were introduced four days ago, according to national broadcaster RTE.

This is a combination of 70,000 restaurant workers, 50,000 pub and bar staff, and around 20,000 crèche and childcare workers. it reported.

This is a huge shock to the economy and triple them monthly unemployment numbers in the 2010 crash and possibly gives a glimpse of the consequences to come if the UK’s follows EU countries and moves to close schools and introduce curfews on restaurants and bars.

The minister for social protection said they had 20,000 applications for benefits on Friday alone."

^quoted from The Guardian live update.

So awful - these poor, poor people. I’m so worried about how they will manage.

The govt has introduced an expedited jobseekers' allowance of €203/week. If employers can continue to pay staff, they can claim that amount back per employee. Or laid off staff can claim it directly. I think it's meant to run for 6 weeks to start and then be reviewed. www.gov.ie/en/news/965011-covid-19-introduction-of-simplified-unemployment-payments-for-employ/

Not perfect but a lot better than nothing.

They didn’t hang around with the redundancies did they?

It's not surprising and another reason why the UK government's approach is better IMO.

DS works in the airline industry (in the UK). At present his employers don't anticipate laying anyone off and will redeploy to alternative duties within the airports. But if the airports close after all repatriation flights, this may change and it really worries me.

The economy c cost is going to be huge! But it may still be worth it to save many many more lives?

Sorry economic cost

The govt has introduced an expedited jobseekers' allowance of €203/week.

JSA is currently £73.10 in the UK, what is it in Ireland?

Yes, there will have to be huge sacrifices by everyone. Many people will suffer financially.

But unfortunately the alternative is a potentially massive loss of life.

Yes the hospitality, travel and tourism, music/entertainment industries will be hit hard.
We have lost our living, hardly any work until this is over.
No sick pay, as most of in the latter group are self employed.
The last few weeks of work are looking doubtful for payment too, as many venues are closing.

Our generation is not used to such crises. Imagine the sacrifices people did during the wars. We are all going to have to make sacrifices and it may take many months before the economy recovers.

I'm worried sick about my job at the moment and the small business I work for.
I can't afford to /and won't panic buy.
Sending love to everyone that needs it

The Government have said that self employed can now claim sick pay and unemployment benefits and they have removed the 6 week lead in time for UB. Sick pay has been increased to 305e per week and ub 205e per week.

This is a huge shock to the economy and triple them monthly unemployment numbers in the 2010 crash and possibly gives a glimpse of the consequences to come if the UK’s follows EU countries and moves to close schools and introduce curfews on restaurants and bars.

This is why the Government are hesitating. It’s a fine balance and there is no right or wrong answer.

may take many months before the economy recovers.

Years, it will take years. Really hoping we dont go the same way as Ireland.

JSA is currently £73.10 in the UK, what is it in Ireland?

€203/week for adults over 25, less for those younger.

In Ireland, we've always viewed the UK rates as shamefully low How can people survive on so little money? Or is it that they just don't survive and that's why so many are using food banks?

Years, it will take years. Really hoping we dont go the same way as Ireland.

Talking to friends and family, we're all glad our govt isn't going the same way as the UK regarding coronavirus, even if the cost is a recession. Really glad that lives are being prioritised above the economy as a matter of principle. It's a very different philosophy of government 🤷‍♀️

@MarDhea With respect, you are in a much better position surviving on €203 then the pittance of £73.00. It's going to be financially devastating for so many people.

With respect, you are in a much better position surviving on €203 then the pittance of £73.00.

I know! That's what I'm trying to say. I don't know how people in the UK survive on JSA at the best of times, let alone in current circumstances.

It's doable in Ireland to live in JSA if you have rent allowance, but tough on those with mortgages. It's a lot better than nothing, as said upthread. And at least it can be accessed immediately for those suddenly laid off this week.

I have nothing but sympathy for people in the UK who are going to find themselves out of work with feck all government support to cushion the blow. From where I stand, it looks like the British people are being served disgracefully by their government