![](https://mmo.aiircdn.com/286/5f056b43d0891.jpg)
The government's new scheme aimed at providing payroll support for businesses affected by Covid-19 takes effect from today.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme replaces the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, and will continue until March next year.
Firms seeking to apply face stricter criteria than under the previous scheme, while the top subsidy rate for workers is down from 410 euro per week to 203 euro.