Increase in PUP recipients in Westmeath this week

There has been an increase in the amount of people claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Westmeath this week.

The increase, which was anticipated, shows that 6,368 people in the county are claiming the payment from 10 November, up from 6,022 on 3 November.

This contrasts with 11,700 in receipt of the payment on 5 May.

Nationally, there are 342,505 people in receipt of the payment, with the sector with the highest number of people receiving the payment being Accommodation and Food Service Activities, followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade.

Almost 87,000 of the recipients are less than 25 years of age, with over 78,000 25-34 year-olds and over 74,000 35-44 year-olds also receiving the payment.

Speaking about the figures this week, Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands said that “the increase was anticipated and reflects the impact of moving to Level 5 restrictions.”

She continued:

“I know so many people have made huge sacrifices as they continue to heed the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

“But the fall in the number of Covid-19 cases in recent days is encouraging and gives cause for optimism ahead of the upcoming Christmas period.”