Light at the end of the tunnel?
There maybe light at the end of the tunnel.
After four weeks of uncertainty and frustration the Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (WSCS) agreement is to be released by the DCYA this week.
The scheme will bring much needed stability and support for our sector.
We already know that under the scheme:
- Staff will receive a minimum payment of €350 per week and a maximum of €585
- Services will receive a minimum €300 per week for operational costs (or 15% of payroll costs if greater)
- Self employed providers can also receive €350 per week
Services must sign up for Revenue’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme to avail of the DCYA’s Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme.
Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme
The DCYA sent an update on Friday with details of how the Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme will be rolled out.
The key points are:
- The new ‘Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (WSCS) agreement will be released to services this week
- To avail of the WSCS, services must avail of the Revenue’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme
- Payments for the WSCS will be backdated to the 6th April
- All payments under NCS, ECCE, CCSP and TEC will cease from 10th April
- DCYA is planning to release 33% of the Programme Support Payment on 17th April that services were due to receive in June.
The backdating on the WSCS to the 6th April was a key demand of SIPTU members, we are happy to see it included in the new scheme.
Next Steps
Once the WSCS is released the Big Start National Committee will meet to consider the full details.
We will be back in contact with members after that.
United We Stand
The Covid-19 emergency is a massive challenge for our country and our sector.
SIPTU will continue to fight for our sector and to make sure it is supported to survive this crisis.
SIPTU members who have any queries can contact their local organiser or email bigstart@siptu.ie.
If you haven’t joined yet, you can sign up here.
Please take care of yourself and loved ones.
