Corona Virus: Implications for Irish Staff

What consequences does COVID-19 have on your employees in the Ireland? How to use the aids provided and what to do in case you need to take drastic measures as time passes? Every country is dealing differently with the Coronavirus. We monitor the situation and have put all information together per country. If you employ people in Ireland, you can find frequently asked questions below.

*The information in the blog has the purpose to help the reader with gaining more knowledge and insights on the measures taken by the government. Please keep in mind that we have outlined basic rules. There might be specific terms, rules and regulations to each measure. As a result, EuroDev cannot guarantee any reimbursements or liabilities. For more detailed information, please contact our experts.

Measures announced by the government

As of April 15, there are 12,547 confirmed cases in Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland is to extend its Covid-19 restrictions for a further three weeks until 5 May. If people continued to follow the current guidelines, the lockdown would hopefully be eased after 5 May, he said, but warned restrictions "won't be eased in one go". 

Employer COVID-19 Refund Scheme 

The department has announced a refund scheme for employers. Under an arrangement developed with Revenue, employers who have to temporarily lay-off staff and who are not in a position to make any wage payment to them, are asked to keep their employees on the payroll and pay them an amount of €203 - the equivalent of the COVID-19 Support Payment. 

When they submit payroll returns to Revenue via their payroll provider, Revenue will refund the employer the €203. 

FAQ Irish employment during Coronavirus

What if an employee contracts COVID-19?

The employee’s sick pay entitlements, if any, will be those set out in the contract of employment and/or staff handbook. There is no legal or statutory entitlement, however, to sick pay. The employee may be entitled to illness benefit from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 

What if the employer closes down but the employee can work from home?

The employee is entitled to be paid, assuming they are working.   

What if the employer closes down but the employee can’t work from home?

What if the employee can’t come to work because they are caring for a person who has COVID- 19?

Force majeure leave may be applicable in this situation. However, the maximum amount of force majeure leave is 3 days in a 12-month period and the care must be for a close family member with the employee’s presence indispensable in the circumstance.   

Public transport closes down and the employee cannot get to work?

Unless there is provision in the staff handbook for pay it is extremely unlikely that the employee is entitled to be paid. 

In addition to these questions, you might have questions specific to your case and company. If you are looking for answers, we are happy to help. Schedule a 15-minute call with Monique Ramondt, VP of HR Outsourcing via the image below:

About EuroDev

EuroDev, established in 1996 with offices in The Netherlands and France, has a single, defined purpose to help mid-sized North American companies expand their business in Europe. We have created a proven, successful business development model and since our founding, have partnered with over 300 companies to help them define and meet their European business goals. Services provided include Sales Outsourcing, HR Outsourcing and Digital Marketing. EuroDev is home to 75 professionals from 24 nationalities, covering a total of 21 languages between them.