Covid-19 and the restrictions that come along with it has had a huge impact on the numbers unemployed in Ireland.
According to the Central Statistics Office, the unemployment rate stood at a staggering 20.4% in December as the crisis continues.
Latest figures show that almost 480,000 people will receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week - that equates to €144 million being paid out by the Department of Social Protection.
For many on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, it is approaching 12 months since they last worked and they have found the lockdown very difficult.
For many of these 'Covid-unemployed', it is the first time that they have been out of work for such a long period of time and it's not just the wages they are missing, it’s the social interaction also that work brings.
I've never been unemployed in my life. The adaption is a challenge at times definitely, in terms of my mental health
Aidan Kavanagh, from Dundrum in Dublin, is a DJ but has not worked since the pandemic began.
Normally he would be averaging three gigs a week, mostly corporate. 2019 was the best business year for him after 20 years at the decks. Things were looking up.
Once the pandemic hit though, everything changed.
He moved back in with his mother to look after her and to save on bills. Financially it's precarious, he said.
"I had to get root canal treatment a few months ago, so if a cost like that comes in unexpectedly, obviously it's going to be a challenge to manage," he said.
He is grateful for the €350 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. He also sees a therapist who helps him cope mentally.
'The thing I miss is just meeting people, and seeing people ... having that physical contact with people," said Aidan.
"I walk the dog, do the washing ... it's just finding things to keep your mind busy. It's just finding things to fill your day because you're not used to having all this free time," he added.
Across the city in Kilmainham, hairdresser Natasha Rogers has been unemployed on and off since last March.
She and her boyfriend were saving to buy a house - that has now been put off.
"It's so hard financially because you're living week to week. You're taking a hit in your wages. You're not being able to save for your future and work towards getting your own house. It's just living and renting for now," she said.
She said the current situation is disheartening and frustrating.
"I love the job," she added.
It's a similar story for Dave Aulsberry in Waterford. His family has been hit hard financially from the pandemic.
Both he and his wife are chefs and both are on the PUP. Money is tight and plans have been postponed.
"We were planning to build a house so that's gone out the window now at this stage. Trying to pay rent, keeping on top of gas bills, electricity bills... it's been difficult," he said.
"You just can't plan for the future," he said.
Dave, Natasha and Aidan. These are just three stories from the Covid unemployed - there are many more like them.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
