Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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137. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the number of employees (details supplied) on reduced pay and hours without access to claim short-time work support payments; if the matter has been raised with affected employees or employers; the steps she is taking to address anomalies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24513/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has already advised that, subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual (i.e. part-time) jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment.  The normal scheme rules and application processes apply, including completion of the relevant forms by the employer to certify days of employment and unemployment.  Officials from the Department have engaged with the employer concerned and advised them of this position.  Applications for support from this date are being prioritised. 

The position regarding any retrospective entitlement to jobseekers payments prior to the introduction of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment.  There applications are assessed on an individual basis having regard to the facts of each case and the rules of the schemes concerned.

Any legal obligations that the employer may have to their employee as regards terms, conditions or entitlements of their employment, including pay, is a matter for the employer.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.