In an effort to assess potential damages of the impact of COVID-19 on the artistic community and to endeavour to provide potential solutions to the situation, the NFCA is collecting data to aggregate information on cancelled events, postponed performances, lost opportunities and loss of income in the sector. Please take a few minutes to fill in this important survey HERE
Archives for March 2020
COVID-19 Coronavirus Information
Current Advice
Please see below for our current advice regarding coronavirus. This is an ever changing situation so click here to access the updated HSE advice
Financial advice
Understand your rights to the different kinds of financial support available during the Coronavirus outbreak and how to claim click here for more information. This includes support for the self-employed. The dedicated social protection #COVID19 phoneline is open from 9am-5pm, 01-2481398/ 1890-800-024 and people are asked to not visit your Intreo Centre if at all possible. To download the form click here or to get a form posted to you, please email forms@welfare.ie or call the phoneline.
Industry specific guides
The Arts Council has confirmed that it has notified theatres that it will honour all funding commitments made to them and that there will be no financial penalties for theatres that are unable to deliver key activities and events arising from the impact of the COVID-19 virus. That will mean that theatres should, in turn, be able to honour commitments to artists. Equity is calling on these organisations to demonstrate their true creativity and reach out in new and inventive ways to the artist community to provided as much financial and community support as possible to artists. More info here
This will be more difficult for non-funded or non-commercial production so it important that members fully understand the state support available read more.
Recorded Media (Film, TV audio etc)
All production are now ceased or on notice or cessation. For information on specific productions contact Andrea at equity@siptu.ie or Karan at koloughlin@siptu.ie
Industry Support measures
Screen Ireland has announced an initial range of measures, all of which we hope will assist those working within the sector.
These measures are as follows:
- They will provide 90% funding upfront on all development loans to Irish screenwriters and production companies through to 31st May 2020.
- Existing development and production loan offers which are due to expire in the coming months will all be extended to 31st May 2020.
- They will provide additional marketing and distribution support for upcoming Irish film and TV releases during this period.
- They will continue to provide skills development opportunities for industry practitioners, with Screen Skills Ireland delivering some of its planned activity for 2020 online free-of-charge over the next 6-10 weeks.
From an operations perspective, Screen Ireland and Screen Skills Ireland staff continue to work remotely and all funding schemes will continue to be made available. They are supporting filmmakers and current productions on a case-by-case basis due to the numerous complexities and variables involved. The funding application process across all areas from development, production, distribution and publicity will continue as normally as possible.
During these exceptionally challenging circumstances, Screen Ireland will continue to work with their partners to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and will review and update these measures in response to further developments. Screen Ireland can be contacted directly with any COVID-19 related queries or concerns at info@screenireland.ie.
Be safe and minimise Risk
In addition there are some simple things you can do to minimise risk.
Preventative measures
There are six simple things members can do to protect themselves and others:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available.
2. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in a bin. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it. Failing that, sneeze into your elbow and avoid coughing on or near others.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid travelling if you have a temperature or cough. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice.
5. If you are worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP.
6. If you begin to feel unwell, with your engager’s permission if at work, make your way safely home and contact a health professional for advice.
Work advice
Where you are concerned about an engagement being cancelled or a contract being terminated due to coronavirus issues, please contact Irish Equity for specific advice about your situation. Andrea – equity@siptu.ie Karan – koloughlin@siptu.ie or through our website irishequity.ie (can you make this a link to the website?)
Contract issues
A matter that may arise in relation to cancelled engagements or contracts is the concept of ‘force majeure’. This will usually be a clause in the contract that outlines circumstances under which the contract may be said to have been cancelled because of events or circumstances outside the engagers control. Another concept is ‘frustration of contract’ where the contract may be said to have been discontinued because of unforeseen circumstances. The issues around these, and other contract matters, are never simple and often subject to interpretation, so your Irish Equity can be the first port of call for any query.
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Following significant lobbying by SIPTU and the Irish Congress of trade Unions, the Government announced on 24th March, new measures to provide financial support to Irish workers affected by the Covid-19 crisis for both self-employed and employed workers. This includes also assistance for renters and utility bills etc.
Self Employed
Self-employed workers are eligible for the special Covid 19 unemployment benefit which has been increased to €350 per week
For self-employed workers who become ill are eligible for the Covid 19 illness benefit which has also been increased to €350 per week
If you have already received a payment of any of the Covid 19 benefits then you don’t need to do anything as there will be an automatic adjustment. If you are making a fresh claim, you can do so through this link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/eca524-covid-19-information-for-employees/
For Employees (PAYE Workers)
Revenue will operate a Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for organisations whose business activities are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme, enables employees, whose employment is affected by the pandemic, to receive supports directly from their employer. The scheme will run for 12 weeks from 26 March 2020 but any employee who was on the payroll as at February 29th is now eligible for these payments and we are in discussion with the producers on running this through payroll wherever possible. The subsidy scheme applies to employers whether they can afford to top up employees’ wages or not.
For employees who become ill they are eligible for the COVID-19 illness benefit which has also been increased to €350 per week
For employees who have been laid off and the employer cannot make payments through the payroll they are eligible for the C19 unemployment benefit of €350 (plus normal payment for any dependants)
In April, the scheme will move to a subsidy payment based on 70% of the weekly average take home pay for each employee up to a maximum of €410 net pay. Income tax and USC will not be applied to the subsidy payment through the payroll. Employee and Employer PRSI will not apply to the subsidy or any top up payment by the employer.
If you have already received a payment of any of the Covid 19 benefits then you don’t need to do anything as there will be an automatic adjustment. If you are making a fresh claim, you can do so through this link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/eca524-covid-19-information-for-employees/
We also expect legislation to be passed to tomorrow freezing rents and banning evictions for the next 12 weeks also. As you may be aware the banks have agreed to give workers financially effected by Covid 19 a 3 month break from mortgage payments and applications can be made for this through your on line banking.
Further support measures for renters and utility bills etc can be accessed here:https://www.gov.ie/en/news/a6d8fa-government-announced-new-covid-19-income-support-scheme/
For any questions on the above the email addresses are:
Andrea aholmes@siptu.ie or equity@siptu.ie
Karan koloughlin@siptu.ie
Paul Doyle – RIP
April, 2020 — Irish Equity are saddened to hear of the death of Paul Doyle who passed away peacefully but unexpectedly of natural causes on 11th April 2020. Paul was an actor with extraordinary creative talent, that included his unique voice and a passionate VO/radio artist. A dear friend and fellow actor to many who will be sadly missed by many. Our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
SIPTU supports new wage compensation scheme and increase in COVID-19 emergency payment
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has welcomed the Government’s wage compensation scheme which was announced today (Tuesday, 24th March) and is intended to retain workers in employment.
Under the scheme, an employer will receive a subsidy of 70% in respect of an employee’s net wage, up to €38,000 per annum. The scheme is intended to continue for a 12-week period although further details have yet to be provided. The latest government proposals also include an increase from €203 to €350 per week in the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Joe Cunningham said: “The Government’s announcement will go a long way towards protecting employment and businesses during this emergency. It will provide security for workers and help ensure the economy will be in a strong position to recover once this public health crisis is over.”
“SIPTU and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have been calling for the introduction of such a scheme. While we await further details, the outline announced by the Government today is consistent with what we have been seeking.
“In particular, it has the capacity to keep employers and employees connected, which means that once the emergency has passed, the economy will be in a stronger position to recover. While we would have preferred the scheme to be extended to workers who have been temporarily laid off, the increase in the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is to be welcomed. We will be seeking clarification as to whether this increase will also apply to Jobseekers payments.”
“We are calling on employers to engage positively with this scheme so that workers and the economy receive its potential benefits. We also call on employers to work with their employees and their trade union representatives to ensure maximum participation.”
Irish Equity AGM deferred
Irish Equity regrets that due to the ongoing measures to contain/curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus we have taken the decision to defer the AGM scheduled for 5th April until later in the year when we can be assured that holding this meeting will not endanger anybody’s wellbeing. This is an
unfortunate turn of events but we believe it is in all of our best interests to defer the meeting for now.
Also, we are liaising with employers in the industry on the measures
announced by the Government today to get more information about their
intentions for cast during any cessation of work. In addition, we have
confirmation from the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht that the Arts Council has said that it has notified theatres that it will honour all funding commitments made to them and that there will be no financial penalties for theatres that are unable to deliver key activities and events
arising from the COVID-19 virus. This should mean that theatres should, in turn, be able to honour commitments to artists.
We are also liaising with employers in film and TV and we will update you
immediately as we get more information on their intentions about working
arrangements etc.
While we await further updates from the employers please see the attached information from the Department of Social Protection. This document
explains all of the supports available to workers, employed and self-
employed, including the new sick pay arrangements and workplace closures, lay off, short time working etc.
Please email us directly on any of the email addresses below if you have
useful information with regard to developing circumstances on set or at your workplace or if you have specific queries on any information that we are sending through to you. The email addresses are; Andrea – equity@siptu.ie and/or Karan – koloughlin@siptu.ie.
