In circumstances of four weeks or more of lay off and 6 weeks of short time in a 13-week period, employees had previously been entitled to claim a redundancy payment. Since 13 March 2020 in line with the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill, the right of an employee to trigger a redundancy claim following these periods was temporarily changed due to Covid-19 and to mitigate the serious risks to businesses and jobs. This ‘emergency period’ removed the right of an employee to make such claim until such date expired.

After initially extending the date to May 2020, it has been extended a number of times, including the most recently extension to 30 June 2021. It is due to see a further and final extension until the 30 September 2021 to allow employers the opportunity to assess their business including their staffing needs, as the economy re-opens and they begin trading again.

When this emergency measure is lifted eligible employees will be able to avail of their entitlement to make a claim for redundancy to their employer. Businesses with verified financial difficulties caused by Covid-19 will be supported as they deal with these potential additional statutory redundancy costs through the provision of a Covid-19 Deferred Payment arrangement.

Further details will be worked out in conjunction with employers and unions. We will continue to update you on this issue. If you have any questions in relation to the emergency period or redundancy, you can contact Emma on emma.crowley@sfa.ie or 01 6051668