Press release
Statement from Tánaiste and Minister Humphreys on Roadbridge
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, and Minister Heather Humphreys have today (16 March 2022) welcomed the clarification issued by the receiver appointed to Roadbridge Limited regarding the entitlements of affected employees who are facing redundancy.
The Tánaiste commented:
"I extend my sympathies once again to all employees who have been affected by the sudden closure of Roadbridge Limited. During this period of uncertainty, I am glad to hear that employees have received assurances from the receivers regarding their redundancy entitlements and access to income supports.
"My officials have been monitoring the situation carefully and have been working closely with the Department of Social Protection in order to assist affected employees during this difficult time.
"The clarification issued last night by the receiver, following engagement with my department, has confirmed to employees there is no statutory restriction on employees taking up additional employment during a statutory redundancy consultation period, in circumstances where they are not expected to attend the workplace. Provided they do not resign from their current employment, there should be no obstacle to retaining their statutory redundancy entitlements.
"I know that this might not answer all the questions employees have at this difficult time. The government will continue to be as responsive as we can to the issues as they unfold."
The Tánaiste also said:
"Officials of the Department of Social Protection rapidly stepped into action and met with both the receiver and employee representatives to provide information and assurances regarding measures taken to accept online applications for income support as quickly as possible. I commend my colleague, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, and her officials."
Minister Heather Humphreys said:
"I’m deeply conscious of what the employees of Roadbridge have gone through in recent days. It can be a terrible shock to people when their employment comes to an end in such a sudden fashion. I’m pleased that my department has worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this case. For any individual now seeking a jobseeker payment, I’d encourage them to apply online so that my department can process their claims as quickly as possible."
The State provides a safety net for employees to ensure they receive statutory redundancy and other wage related entitlements from the Social Insurance Fund in situations where the employer cannot pay. Claims are managed by the Department of Social Protection.
Section 9 of the Protection of Employment Acts 1977-2007 provides for a 30-day mandatory consultation period with employees facing potential collective redundancies. There is no provision in law allowing for the waiver or shortening of the statutory 30-day redundancy consultation period.