Statement by Minister Dara Calleary in relation to planned redundancies at TikTok

“Following the recent announcement from Tik Tok, I am acutely aware that this is a time of great uncertainty for the employees concerned and their families. My first priority and that of my officials at the Department of Social Protection is to ensure that those affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay.

“My department has already been in contact with the company to offer information on all of the income and employment supports available to assist these employees over the coming months.

“A team from the department is available to meet with the workforce to ensure prompt access to income supports and to support them into alternative employment, or to access appropriate education, training and development options.

“When a person moves onto a jobseeker payment, including from 31 March onto the new Pay-Related Jobseeker’s Benefit, my department works with the individuals focusing on what they need to assist them re-enter the workforce. This individualised support comes in various forms including a range of employment programmes and schemes available when a person returns to employment, to full or part time education or who wishes to start their own business.

“Anyone affected should note that the easiest and quickest way to apply for a jobseeker's payment is online at MyWelfare.ie which provides safe, convenient online access to social welfare services.”