1,000 local people return to work after lockdown

(Above) Minister of State Peter Burke.

Over 1,000 Westmeath people have closed their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) in recent weeks.

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Peter Burke said that while many people locally are still facing huge challenges as the economy reopens, it is encouraging to see the numbers relying on State aid reducing.

“I am acutely aware of the continuing challenges faced by so many families and individuals here in Westmeath and all over the country as a result of COVID-19.

“We are dealing with unprecedented circumstances and the PUP will continue to be available to those who need it.

“It is encouraging to see the numbers returning to work since the economy opened up further last week. This represents the highest number to return to work in a single week nationally since the crisis began. From the week of June 30, 400 Westmeath people had closed their PUP applications, with an additional 600 people joining them from July 7.”

Workers in sectors such as hospitality, retail and construction have returned to work in large numbers recently.

“My Fine Gael colleagues in government will leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting Westmeath and Ireland back to full employment," Minister Burke says.

“Fine Gael's Action Plan for Jobs showed steady success in growing employment after the last recession. This intense focus on job creation will be replicated again by this Government.” Minister Burke concluded.