The Irish Congress of Trade Union (ICTU) has accused the Government of including a "stealth cut" to jobseeker's pay-related benefit as part of the Social Welfare Bill.
In last month’s budget, a €10 increase to weekly social welfare payments was announced, however jobseeker’s pay-related benefit was not included in the general rate increase to core payments.
The new payment was introduced in March and is linked to a person's previous earnings.
"Workers are paying extra PRSI to fund this new payment, which is intended to insure them against a collapse in income in the first weeks after losing their job," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy.
"That was the deal - pay higher PRSI for a higher payout."
"The average worker paid an extra €52 PRSI this year and will pay an extra €104 next year."
"But Government is refusing to keep their side of the deal, and has kept the payment stagnant," Mr Reidy said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said Budget 2026 does not provide for a change in the rates of jobseeker's pay-related benefit.
"Jobseeker’s pay-related benefit is a new scheme and is being monitored as the first full annual cycle of the scheme progresses," the department said.
"The department is assessing the impact of the scheme and of the pay-related approach to a benefit payment and will consider any potential changes as the scheme continues to roll out," it added.
