The number of people claiming the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen to 543,200 - a drop of 36,200 in the last week, according to the latest figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Of those receiving the payment today, 28,400 have notified the Department that they are returning to work. 21,100 of these will receive their last PUP payment this week A further 214,700 people were on the Live Register and receiving Jobseekers Benefit at the end of April.
Today's figures mark a significant improvement compared to the peak demand for the PUP, which hit 598,000 some weeks ago. The fall in claims reflects the first phase of reopening the economy which commenced on 18th May, with outdoor sectors