The number of people receiving the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen to 515,700 - down 15% on the peak of almost 600,000 during the economic shutdown.
For the first time, more people are in jobs subsidised by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme than are receiving the PUP. At the peak of the Covid-related unemployment surge, 598,000 people were claiming the €350 per week payment.
Since then, over 80,000 people have returned to work as the economy gradually reopens - a drop of around 15%. However, on top of the 515,700 receiving the PUP, a further 225,600 people are receiving Jobseeker's Benefit from the State - meaning unemployment remains a significant challenge going forward.