Coronavirus
As cases of Coronavirus have been identified here, and as a school and offices in Dublin have closed their doors it is time for Irish employers to make plans for when further cases of infection are confirmed here. Below you will find our guide on best practices companies should deploy to help their employees.
Irish businesses are in a much better position to counter the outbreak of an influenza epidemic than they were in the past, as they are less dependent on centralised facilities and can allow more people to work from home. However, many businesses conduct their affairs on a person-to-person basis, where it is more difficult to mitigate the risks of contamination. All business owners are now in a position to adopt basic levels of precaution ahead of Coronavirus entering the Irish population.
ISME has a specific page for members with updated information and templates from our support team here
LATEST UPDATES:
The expansion of business supports was announced by Minister Humphreys on 8th April, view details here.
FAQ booklet on COVID-19 Income Supports available here
COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide from NSAI is available here
Government announce list of essential services. Read in full here
Government announce a National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme. This will provide financial support to Irish workers and companies affected by the crisis. Read Here More information about the Wage Subsidy Scheme can be found here
Support for businesses impacted by COVID 19 through commercial rates deferral. Read here
The latest announcements from DBEI is available here
Updates from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection are available here
The most up to date Government advice is available here
There has been an update to the Employer Refund Scheme, allowing employers engaged with the scheme to top up the payment provided by the State. Find out more here
Minister Doherty announced details of the COVID-19 Employer Refund Scheme on 18 March, read full details here.
Minister Humphreys announces supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19 on Wednesday 11th March 2020, read about it here.
Recruitment: The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has advised us that businesses can contact [email protected] with details of their requirements and a response can be activated centrally via Intreo offices and case officers undertaking matching against existing job seekers:
All the information from the government about paying your staff & infomation from ISME HR on lay offs etc
ISME goes through the various ways the virus impacts your business.
This page looks at the financial supports for your business
Things you need to consider if your business is staying open and if it is closing.
Has your supply chain been affected and how will you communicate this to customer
Tips from our member, Radius Technologies, on remote working
Tips from our member, Lorraine Murphy Coaching, on communicating with your staff
Conclusion
ISME recommends that an appropriate person is designated within the company to develop a contingency plan to ensure that there is no delay in implementing agreed actions when required.
Remember, there is no way to predict what will happen with Coronavirus, however with the right planning you can limit the amount of impact to your company, employees and customers.
For more support contact ISME Members Services on 01-6622755
