Job seekers benefit to be linked to previous earnings
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the partial success of its Tara Mines campaign in the form of new legislation which was passed in the Dáil this week which links Jobseeker’s Benefit to a worker’s previous earnings, paying them 60% of their previous gross weekly wage up to a maximum of €450.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “This Bill will see a radical change to the unemployment benefit system that exists in Ireland for all workers that find themselves placed on layoff. Workers will receive 60% of their previous gross weekly wage to receive a maximum of €450 a week. This will provide for close to double that of the current rate, of €232. The new rate will apply if the worker is on layoff for not more than nine months.
“Under the new Bill, the terms will apply on a sliding scale to €300 over nine months. This is just a step in the right direction, SIPTU will not give up lobbying until the payment of 60% of gross income comes into line with most other EU member states. In Belgium, it is 91% with other EU countries also having similar high levels of welfare benefits.”
He added: “The campaign for this change in legislation was led by our members in Tara Mines. Unfortunately, it is too late to benefit them in their extended layoff situation.”
SIPTU Transport, Aviation, Energy and Construction Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “That the new Jobseekers benefit legislation is soon to be signed off is good news. However, it was too late for the miners in Tara Mines who found themselves relying on an unemployment system that only provided less than 30% of their income after contributing significant PRSI contributions in some cases for more than 40 years.”
He added: “The impact that the Tara Mines campaign on this issue has been significant. The impact that these layoffs had on the local economy in County Meath and the wider northeast region also contributed to the change in the Government’s approach. The financial hardship the miners and 650 workers at the mine had to endure which is still been felt by workers should have been addressed much earlier.”