SF deride proposal to cut PUP

Government plans to cut the Pandemic Unemployment Payment have been described as “incoherent and ill-timed” by an opposition spokesperson.

Sinn Féin Deputy, Pauline Tully, is demanding an immediate halt to the cut in PUP. Due to be implemented on September 7 she criticised the decision saying: “The pandemic is not over. Some sectors, such as the live entertainment industry, remain closed due to public health advice.”

She believes progressing the “unfair cuts” will hit young workers hardest: “They are a slap in the face for those in the live music and entertainment sector who again this week have failed to get any clarity from the Government about when they can reopen.

“These cuts will see many workers currently on the PUP rate of €203 being moved to Jobseeker payments. This will affect up to 29,000 people over the coming weeks. These workers are not jobseekers, they are merely being prevented from returning to their jobs due to public health restrictions,” the Sinn Fein elected representative stated.

Deputy Tully continued: “Young people suffering the brunt of the government’s failure on housing and rents will be worst hit by this move with those under the age of 25 on the lowest rate of the PUP being transitioned to the reduced Jobseekers rate of €112.70 per week from September 14.

“The government cannot continue with these unfair and short-sighted cuts which will plunge thousands of workers into financial uncertainty. I am urging the government to do the right thing and halt these ill-timed and incoherent plans immediately,” Deputy Tully concluded.