Ireland’s two largest airlines – Aer Lingus and Ryanair – have signed up to the Government’s Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme, which is now up and running. It supports 70% of workers’ take-home income, up to a maximum weekly tax-free payment of €410.

Fórsa expects that most commercial semi-state companies will continue to pay full salaries, despite pressures on income in some, at least until the end of April.

Fórsa has supported calls by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) for the Government to implement stronger measures to avoid an economic depression as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Fórsa has amended its advice to members to say they should stay away from workplaces on public health grounds unless their employer has told them they need to attend work. Until now, the union has advised staff to go in unless told otherwise. The union says much of the dust has settled since the An Taoiseach’s ‘stay at home’ announcement last Friday (27th March), and that most employers have now given clear direction to staff.

Fórsa has updated its advice on coronavirus-related work issues for staff in non-commercial semi-state organisations and the wider public service. Read it HERE.