Working for Work : Chapter 4 : Welfare to Work

Employer Incentives to Recruit Unemployed People

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Research has shown that unemployed people who return to the workplace do so with a high degree of motivation and commitment to their jobs. If an employer is thinking of employing new staff, they may not be aware of the range of incentives and services available when recruiting unemployed people. A number of incentives have been established which can support an employer in the creation and development of jobs. It can prove useful for both unemployed people and employers to be aware of the benefits of these incentives.

Revenue Job Assist Scheme

The Revenue Job Assist Scheme offers an employer financial incentives to recruit unemployed people through tax savings.

Employers may claim a double deduction in calculating their taxable income on:

  • Qualifying employees' wages, and
  • Employer's PRSI contributions for qualifying employees

This means that double the amount of the wages of a qualifying employee and double the amount of the employer's PRSI contribution for that employee can be deducted by the employer from the company's taxable income

  • These deductions can be claimed for up to 3 years
  • There is no limit on the number of qualifying employees an employer can take on under the scheme, providing they take up qualifying jobs.

For more information on the Revenue Job Assist Scheme contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 or see the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie

Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme

The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme means that when an employer hires additional eligible workers, they will not have to pay employer's PRSI in respect of their employment for 12 months form the date the employee is approved for the scheme. Under this scheme, employers are limited to a maximum of 5% of their existing workforce or five employees, whichever is greater. To qualify, the employee must be a person who is in receipt of one of the following payments for continuous period of at least six months: -

  • Jobseeker's Benefit
  • One Parent Family Payment
  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Disability Allowance

OR -

On the Work Placement Programme administered by FÁS for at least three months.

The job must: -

  • Be new and additional -
  • Be for at least 30 hours a week -
  • Last for at least six months

For more information or to apply for the scheme contact: Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, Department of Social Protection, floor 2, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. LoCall: 1890 927 999

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top