Are you missing out on employer incentives and supports?

There are a number of employer incentives and supports currently available to employers. The most recent initiative introduced by the government is the JobPlus scheme.

JobPlus is a new employer incentive scheme that was announced in the budget. It aims to encourage and reward employers who employ the jobless on the live register by providing a cash flow benefit to the business.

The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said, “JobPlus will help businesses to create new jobs and reduce long term employment,” following the announcement of this new scheme.

How does the JobPlus scheme work?

The incentive will be paid by the Department of Social Protection to the employer monthly in arrears over a 2 year period. It will do so in two levels of cash payments:

1. A payment of €7,500 for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 12 months but less than 24 months.
2. A payment of €10,000 got each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 24 months.

The scheme is available to all employers in the private sector but is not open to public sector employers.

The main criteria for employer eligibility are as follows:

• Your business must be registered as a PAYE employer with Revenue.
• You must be compliant with Irish tax and employment laws.
• You must have tax clearance.
• You offer full time employment for over 30 hours per week over at least 4 days a week.
• You will need to prove that your business is increasing its workforce.

How employers can apply for the JobPlus scheme?

To apply for the JobPlus scheme, go to the JobPlus website and complete the online application form. You will also find more information about the scheme on this site.

Once the Department for Social Protection confirms your eligibility, you can start recruiting under this scheme.

The JobPlus scheme replaced the Revenue Job Assist and Employer Job (PRSI) Exemption Scheme from 1 July 2013.

If you need further information about this scheme or other employer incentives and supports available for Irish business contact Melissa Phibbs on 01 849 8800 or email.

Written by Melissa Phibbs, Manager