The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is acting as a huge disincentive for some construction workers in returning to work, the association representing Irish plant contractors has said.
Latest figures from the Department of Social Protection show that more than 20,000 construction workers were still on the PUP despite the sector fully reopening in May.
The Irish Plant Contractors Association (IPCA) has written to the Government warning of difficulties ahead for the construction sector.
IPCA Chief Executive Brian Coogan said that some employers are facing real problems trying to get workers back to work. "The PUP is an issue," he said.