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Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed Voices Concern Over Proposed Doubling of Jobseeker Penalties

Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed Voices Concern Over Proposed Doubling of Jobseeker Penalties
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Ardee News and Sport – The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) has expressed concern over the Government’s proposal to double the penalty rate for jobseekers who fail to engage with employment and activation services. The change, set to take effect in January 2025, would increase the penalty to €90 per week—representing 37% of the maximum Jobseeker’s Allowance rate. This is a substantial increase from the current penalty rate of €44, which accounted for 23% of the maximum core payment when introduced.

Under the new proposal, a single individual receiving the maximum Jobseeker’s Allowance rate would be left with €154 per week, raising concerns from advocacy groups. The INOU has called on the Government to ensure that employment services remain “person-centred and supportive,” emphasizing the importance of working proactively with individuals to help them access appropriate employment opportunities.

These changes come as the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal that Ireland’s Live Register count dropped slightly in September 2024. The seasonally adjusted total decreased to 166,800 people, down by 2,100 from the previous month, representing a 1.2% decline. The unadjusted figure stood at 162,855, with 55.3% of registrants being male and 71.8% of Irish nationality.

The largest age demographic on the Live Register was the 25-34 group, comprising 23.5% of all registrants at 38,222 individuals. Of those registered in September, 104,903 had been on the Live Register for less than a year, showing a reduction of 5.7% (6,286 individuals) compared to the same time last year.

As the proposal awaits further deliberation, the INOU continues to advocate for a balance between accountability and supportive, individualized engagement with jobseekers.