Party leaders ordered Heather Humphreys to do U-turn on PUP

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys had initially defended the decision to withdraw the pandemic unemployment payment from people who left the country.  Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys was ordered to do a U-turn on the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) after a late-night meeting of the three Government party leaders, it can be revealed.

The news comes as the Government confirmed that following a review of 2,500 cases where payments were stopped, a total 85 “have the potential” to receive the payment following the rule change.