More than 244,000 people are now claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, an increase of over 15,000 or 6% in the last week.
That is according to the latest figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The figures show 244,153 will receive the payment this week, which is up from 228,858 a week ago.
However, the figures are expected to worsen next week when additional Covid-19 restrictions are likely to be imposed, resulting in further business closures.
Payments totalling €65.5m will be delivered to PUP claimants this week, while 2,562 claimants closed their PUP claims in the last seven days to return to work.