Dillon welcomes clarity on Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme

THE Fine Gael Spokesperson for Tourism and Sport, Alan Dillon, has welcomed the extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).

During his speech delivering Budget 2022, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced that the EWSS will remain in place in a graduated form until April 30, 2022.

In a show of support for businesses, this will be six months after the lifting of most public health restrictions and two months after the PUP concludes.

The following are the broad parameters of the EWSS extension:

* No change to EWSS for the months of October and November;

* Businesses availing of the EWSS on the 31st of December 2021 will continue to be supported until the 30th of April 2022;

* Across December, January and February, a two-rate structure of €151.50 and €203 will apply;

* For March and April 2022, the final two months of the scheme, a flat rate subsidy of €100 will be put in place. The reduced rate of employers’ PRSI will no longer apply for these two months;

* The scheme will close to new employers from the 1st of January 2022.

Said Deputy Dillon: “I am pleased Minister Donohoe extended the EWSS and welcome the clarity provided by this move.

“These revised arrangements strike a good balance between helping those businesses which continue to need support, while recalibrating the scheme in light of the wider economic recovery.

“During recent meetings with local employers and particularly within the tourism and hospitality, the extension of the EWSS was of paramount importance. It is great to now see this clarity being provided for local businesses with the publication of Budget 2022.”