Special Help Information during COVID19 shut down.

Michael has asked to have these articles put onto the site and Facebook posts to assist anyone who may need help during this period.

Employment Support in the Republic of Ireland.
Many congregations employ locally a range of personnel to assist in a variety of roles, which may no longer be able to function given the increased government restrictions on the opening of premises and movement of people.
On Tuesday 24 March the Government in the Republic of Ireland announced two separate employment support schemes – a Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme and a Short Time Work Support Scheme.
Please note that it is not possible to make a claim for duplicate support - so those receive assistance through the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme cannot receive additional assistance through the Short Time Work Support Scheme or other initiatives like the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

1. TEMPORARY COVID-19 WAGE SUBSIDY SCHEME

The Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme enables employees, whose employers are affected by the pandemic, to receive significant supports directly from their employer through the payroll scheme. The scheme is expected to last 12 weeks from 26 March 2020. It enables employers to keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Thursday 26 March 2020 this subsidy scheme will refund employers up to a maximum of €410 per each qualifying employee per week. It is available to employers from all sectors whose business activities are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is open to employers who retain staff on payroll – some staff may be temporarily not working or may be on reduced hours or reduced pay.
It is the responsibility of employers, already registered with Revenue, to register for the Scheme.
Full information is available at:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/covid19/temporary-covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme.aspx

1. SHORT TIME WORK SUPPORT SCHEME

Short Time Work support is a form of Jobseeker’s Benefit and is an income support payment if someone has been temporarily placed on a shorter working week. It was announced by the Irish Government on Tuesday 24 March.
To qualify an employee must be:

• Temporarily working a standard reduced weekly work pattern
• Working 3 days or less per week having previously worked full-time
• Be under 66 years of age
• Be capable of work and be available for full-time work
• Have enough credited social insurance (PRSI) contributions at class A, H, S or P.

It is the responsibility of the employee to apply on their own behalf but the employer must complete a Short Time Work Support Form (UP14).
Full information can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support/
  
Tuesday 31st March 2020

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Useful websites – Republic of Ireland (20200331)
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
 
General contact information
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/March-2020/Assembly-Buildings-closed-until-further-notice.aspx
 
These Three Remain

The aim of the initiative is to draw congregations together in God to express his life and witness in this moment. A range of devotions, prayer points, blogs and stories are provided to encourage and equip churches and their members in these days.
 
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/thesethreeremain

Government
The government is collating all its Coronavirus information on to one main page
  
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ 
 
Latest staying at home measures
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/539d23-stay-at-home-the-latest-public-health-measures-to-prevent-the-spread/

Information on essential service providers under new public health guidelines
 
Please note that clergy are required to carry one form of identification at all times
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dfeb8f-list-of-essential-service-providers-under-new-public-health-guidelin/

Information on ‘cocooning’ to protect people over 70 years of age and those extremely medically vulnerable
 
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/923825-guidance-on-cocooning-to-protect-people-over-70-years-and-those-extr/
 
Information on community response
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/58a0a9-you-your-community-and-covid-19/
 
Health Service Executive (HSE)
Up to date information and advice from the HSE
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

• Hospital Service Restrictions
• Restricted movements and self-isolation

 
Health Protection Surveillance Centre
Information on cases of COVID-19 in Ireland including guidance and advice
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/

Support for employers
Advice on the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
 
Advice on the Short time Work Support Scheme
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy/
  
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support/