DUBLIN (Reuters) – The number of people claiming temporary coronavirus-related unemployment payments in Ireland fell to 412,900 from 439,000 a week ago, government data showed on Monday, continuing a steady decline as the economy reopens.
Recipients of the payment, which is higher than regular jobless benefits and is due to be phased out next month, reached a high of just over 600,000 at the end of April.
Almost 50,000 of those have moved to a separate wage-subsidy scheme, the employment affairs department said. An estimated 410,000 employees are currently receiving a subsidy, a total which has been broadly stable for the last four weeks.
Unemployment, including recipients of the temporary payment, stood at 22.5% at the end of June.
(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Gareth Jones)
