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Ireland's Wage Subsidy Scheme Faces Employer Backlash Over Budget Changes

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Organizations that use Ireland's Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) criticized the budget increases as misleading, arguing changes disproportionately affect larger employers and yield minimal increases.
Employers with 12–16 workers will see a 21-cent increase per hour, while those with over 23 workers will receive 55 cents.
Critics say WSS value declined relative to national minimum wage, and the Department of Social Protection says rates rose and subsidy bands were reduced.

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Story summary

Organizations that use Ireland's Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) criticized the budget increases as misleading, arguing changes disproportionately affect larger employers and yield minimal increases.
Employers with 12–16 workers will see a 21-cent increase per hour, while those with over 23 workers will receive 55 cents.
Critics say WSS value declined relative to national minimum wage, and the Department of Social Protection says rates rose and subsidy bands were reduced.