Case for linking Jobseeker's Benefit to previous pay but caution needed - ESRI

The ESRI stated that Ireland is one of the few countries in the European Union without a strong relationship between the unemployment benefit payment and the claimant’s previous level of earnings

The current programme for Government suggests creating a link between previous earnings and the amount of jobseeker's benefit an individual is entitled to.

There is a coherent economic case for linking Jobseeker's Benefit for the recently unemployed to their previous earnings, new research released by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has said today.

However, the report warns that such a change would give rise to a non-trivial cost and weaker financial work incentives unless capped or time-limited.