In March the Government announced a range of measures to assist employers, employees and the self-employed who find themselves negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the consequences of the physical distancing guidelines that we are being asked to adhere to, in the interest of the health of our people.

One such measure provided is the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

This scheme is being provided by Government to ensure that when we as a country get through this pandemic, business will be best placed to return to normality and kick-start the economy once again. The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD is actively asking employers to engage with this scheme, which is temporary in nature.

This scheme provides the payment of an income support to an employer in respect of eligible employees where the employer’s business activities have experienced significant negative disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Engineers Ireland’s financial performance is being impacted by this pandemic; our income within the month of April is down on the same period last year. In the current circumstances there is potential for this trend to continue in May and June.

Having given serious consideration to the availability of this temporary support, Engineers Ireland has applied to the scheme.  We have done so to stabilise our existing resources, both human and financial, and to ensure that when the worst of the pandemic is over, we can actively support our members’ contribution to quickly rebuilding and revitalising our economy, with our expert team of experienced and engaged staff in place to support member efforts.

Engineers Ireland is guided by our Code of Ethics and we are committed to the principles of good governance. We will adhere to, and comply with, all guidelines in relation to the scheme provided by Revenue.

We have applied for the scheme in good faith and if our financial position improves, we would immediately review our participation in the scheme.

We will maintain all applicable employees net income to normal levels for the duration of the subsidy period.