Update on the New COVID-19 Measures Introduced by the Irish Government

The pandemic continues to impact our lives and new measures have recently been introduced affecting businesses and the workplace:

1. The workplace

It is recommended that employees who can work from home should do so unless it is essential they attend in person. This guidance is in place until the 13th of September, therefore the return to the workplace plan and risk assessment should be reviewed in light of this new advice.

2. Travel and transport

Use of public transport should be avoided where possible, therefore employers should remind employees of this advice and consider the impact it may have on their ability to travel to the workplace.

3. Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme

A new Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme was announced on the 12th August 2020 as part of the July stimulus package.  It will provide €,3000 to employers who engage a new apprentice between March and the end of 2020.  This is made up of an upfront payment of €2,000 with the final payment of €1,000 issued after 12 months if the apprentice is still engaged.  Industries where apprenticeships are available are:

  • Construction
  • Electrical
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Hospitality
  • Motor

4. Restart Grant Plus

The Restart Grant Plus scheme opened for applications on 10th of August. Grants of between €4,000 up to a maximum of €25,000 are available. To qualify for the scheme, businesses must have:

  • 250 employees or less;
  • Turnover of less than €100,000 per employee; and
  • Reduced turnover by 25% as a result of COVID-19

Those that accessed funding through the previous round of the scheme are eligible to apply for a second top-up payment to a total combined value of the revised maximum grant level.

Under the Restart Grant Plus scheme, support will also be provided for enterprises that could not access the original grant scheme, including rateable sports businesses and trading charity shops. Non-rated B&Bs will be eligible for a grant payment of €4,000.

Visit dbei.gov.ie for more details.

Our team at Voltedge Management remains up to date on all developments and guidance from Government and employer bodies and are here to advise and support you to make informed decisions about your employees and your workplaces – contact us for support and advice on how to Move Forward with Confidence during COVID-19.