Wage Subsidy Scheme Update 24th April 2020

April 24, 2020

EMPLOYER UPDATE


Wage Subsidy Scheme

On the 21st April, Revenue issued some adjustments to the new arrangements that were announced on the 15th April, which we covered in our last Update. We have provided below a summary of these changes.

Excluded Salary

The wage subsidy for those whose pay was in excess of €960 p.w but are now reduced, is now effective from the 16th April 2020 not the 4th May as originally announced. This payment is subject to the tiered arrangements and tapering, as follows;

Where the current gross pay, as reported in the payroll submission, represents a reduction from the ARNWP by:

  • less than 20%, no subsidy is payable
  • between 20% and 39%, a subsidy of up to €205 is payable
  • 40% or more, a subsidy of up to €350 is payable.

The maximum additional payment an employer can make, in order to receive the full subsidy, is the difference between the employees Average Revenue Net Weekly Pay and their maximum weekly wage subsidy.


Eligible Employees 

An employee is not eligible if their gross pay as stated in the payroll submission to revenue exceeds €960 per week. Previously Revenue had referred to this as a Net Pay figure.


Transferred Employees

An employer who has accepted an employee under the TUPE regulations from another employer must notify Revenue of their transfer if they wish to add them to the WSS scheme. a significant negative economic disruption due to Covid-19.


Laid off Employees

When an employee is laid off and is in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), they do not have to be terminated by the company.

If an employee who has been placed on lay-off is being returned to work and placed on the Subsidy Scheme, the DEASP will cease the PUP.


Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Details of this new scheme are now available: For more information see

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-children-and-youth-affairs/


Useful links: https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/documents/pmod-topics/guidance-on-operation-of-temporary-covid-wage-subsidy-scheme.pdf


This update is provided by the MSS HR Support Service



Further details on the update or about our services may be obtained from:

John Barry/Tara Daly/ Hugh Hegarty at Tel: 01 8870690

Email: info@mssirl.ie Website: www.mssirl.ie


WRC Finds No Family Status Discrimination in Roster Change Request
By Amanda Scully • September 15, 2026
WRC decision highlights the importance of understanding the scope of family status and engaging with employee requests for changes to working arrangements.
Private Sector Pay Increases: The 3% to 4% Trend in 2026
By Amanda Scully • September 15, 2026
Private sector pay increases are becoming more concentrated in the 3% to 4% range in 2026, despite continued economic uncertainty
Performance Management Process Done Right
By Amanda Scully • September 15, 2026
Performance Management, when managed effectively, annual appraisals can be a valuable part of an company's wider performance management process
Government Supports for Employers: Funding Available When Recruiting
By Amanda Scully • September 15, 2026
Employers recruiting in Ireland may be able to access a range of Government supports and financial incentives
WRC Finds Pregnancy Discrimination Following Probationary Review
By Amanda Scully • August 18, 2026
A recent WRC decision highlights the importance of fair, well documented probation procedures, particularly where pregnancy or pregnancy-related illness is involved.
Record €323,000 WRC Award Highlights the Serious Risks of Whistleblower Penalisation
By Amanda Scully • August 18, 2026
WRC decision has highlighted the significant consequences for employers where an employee is found to have been penalised after making protected disclosures.
Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill – Proposed New Statutory Leave for Employees
By Amanda Scully • August 18, 2026
Proposed new statutory entitlement to paid leave for employees who experience pregnancy loss before 23 weeks' gestation
Can Employees Use ChatGPT at Work? What Irish Employers Should Consider
By Amanda Scully • August 18, 2026
Do employees understand how AI can be used safely and appropriately in the workplace
New Retirement Age Legislation Takes Effect on 29 June 2026
By Amy Vickers • July 1, 2026
The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 introduces new obligations for employers who operate a contractual retirement age below State Pension Age .
Labour Court Issues First Decision on Right to Request Remote Working
By Amanda Scully • June 30, 2026
A landmark Labour Court decision reinforces that the right to request remote working, highlighting the importance of employers following the correct process.