PUP numbers fall as people needing subsidy or unemployment payment now at almost 751,500

There are now 305,515 people availing of the PUP as the pace of people leaving the scheme quickens as more parts of the economy open up

Shoppers on St Patrick's Street, Cork City, as retail outlets reopened recently. Picture: Larry Cummins

The number of people requiring the pandemic unemployment payment fell by almost 24,480 this week as the reopening of the economy gathers pace — but almost 751,500 people are still relying on some form of wage subsidy or unemployment payment to make ends meet.

Department of Social Protection figures show there are now 305,515 people availing of the PUP. The pace of people leaving the scheme has quickened recently as more parts of the economy, such as hairdressing, retail, and construction, continue to open up.