Just over 385,000 people are receiving the PUP this week, down 4.4% on last week.
In Donegal, the fall is 3.5%.
Nationally, 385,211 people are receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, a drop of almost 18,000.
13,294 people are receiving the payment in Donegal, 474 fewer than last week, and 9,300 down on May of last year.
There s been a fall in the number of people closing their PUP accounts in Donegal, with 410 doing so this week, compared to 507.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys expects thousands more people will do so in the coming weeks as restrictions ease.
There s also been a slight increase in the number of people receiving Enhanced Illness Benefit in Donegal this week, with 4,465 claimants, 32 more than last week.
Numbers On PUP Drop Below 400,000 For First Time This Year
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The numbers receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment have fallen below 400,000 for the first time this year.
Over 385,000 received the support today, which marks a drop of almost 18,000 on last week.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys says This is a very positive development and reflects the start of the recovery phase from this pandemic.
“As restrictions are eased further over the coming weeks, tens of thousands more people will be in a position to close their PUP claims as their industries re-open and they return to work.
There are almost 5,000 fewer construction workers getting the support today as the full sector reopened.
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