This new wage supplement scheme is targeted to assist businesses and self-employed who were mostly hit by the pandemic The new wage supplement scheme aims to cover employees that have been replaced during Summer 2020.
The scheme is granted to businesses who have engaged new employees to replace others who voluntary resigned provided that the number of employees receiving the grant should not increase beyond the number of employees receiving the grant as at 29th May 2020. The wage supplement in respect of such employees will be paid from October 2020.
The scheme will remain open to those beneficiaries who were eligible to date. However, the amount of assistance provided will be based on the losses suffered by the businesses during the pandemic. The grant will be calculated by comparing the turnover from March till October 2019 with the turnover for March till October 2020 as per the VAT declarations. The amount of wage supplement which will be granted will be as follows:
| Percentage drop in Sales | Wage Supplement Monthly Rate (gross) – full timers | Wage Supplement Monthly Rate (gross)- part-timers & casuals |
| 55% or greater | €800 | €500 |
| 45% up to 54% | €640 | €400 |
| 35% up to 44% | €480 | €300 |
| 25% up to 34% | €320 | €200 |
| 10% up to 24% | €160 | €100 |
| Increase in revenue / up to 9% drop in sales | €0 | €0 |
- Business which closed down
Business which had to close down following such order by the Health Authorities, will continue to receive the maximum rate of wage supplement