The Society of Saint Vincent Vincent de Paul (SVP) have announced the temporary layoff of almost 300 employees due to the ongoing Irish government Covid-19 restrictions reports the Irish Examiner. Retail, admin, managerial and support staff have been laid off and are eligible for the PUP payment.
Pre-Covid, the SVP retail stores were a major source of income for the charity which is dedicated to helping the poorest in our Irish community. The SVP monthly Church gate collections have also ceased due to the government restrictions so funding in the charity must be stretched to the limit.
The retail charity sector has been lobbying government to be included in essential services that can open during the highest level 5 government restrictions but no movement on this concession is expected.
The St. Vincent de Paul has managed to keep all their staff employed since the start of the pandemic but the continued government restrictions has now resulted in the temporary closure of all their charity shops nationwide.
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