New gov.ie redundancy payment statistics show that 2,055 applications were received under Ireland’s Redundancy Payments Scheme between January and September 2026. The figures, published by the Department of Social Protection, provide a detailed picture of applications submitted over the past three decades.
The publication was originally issued on 28 April 2020 and was last updated on 1 October 2026. It records applications received under the scheme, rather than confirmed payments or the total number of workers made redundant.
gov.ie redundancy payment statistics for 2026
The monthly data shows 171 applications in January, followed by 155 in February and 182 in March. Applications increased to 456 in April before falling to 257 in May and 229 in June.
July recorded 289 applications, while August had the lowest monthly figure so far in 2026, at 127. A further 189 applications were received in September, bringing the year-to-date total to 2,055.
For context, the scheme recorded:
- 2,319 applications in 2025
- 2,649 applications in 2024
- 2,099 applications in 2023
- 1,778 applications in 2022
- 4,157 applications in 2020
The 2020 total included a substantial increase during the later months of the year, with 668 applications in August and 955 in September.
What the scheme records
The Redundancy Payments Scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection. Its statistics are useful for tracking demand for redundancy-related supports, but the figures should not be interpreted as a direct measure of unemployment or economic growth.
Workers seeking information about employment rights may also consult the Workplace Relations Commission, while Citizens Information can provide guidance on eligibility, applications and related supports. Depending on individual circumstances, Social Protection services may also be relevant.
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Long-term trend in redundancy applications
The historical series shows that applications were considerably higher during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Applications reached 77,001 in 2009, followed by 58,731 in 2010 and 49,762 in 2011.
The total then declined steadily:
- 33,072 applications in 2012
- 13,628 in 2013
- 6,883 in 2014
- 4,342 in 2015
Earlier totals were lower in many years, including 11,057 in 1995 and 16,085 in 2001. Applications rose to 40,607 in 2008 before reaching the 2009 peak.
Why the figures matter
The figures offer historical context for Ireland’s labour market and show how demand for redundancy-related assistance has changed across different economic periods. They can also help researchers, employers and policymakers assess patterns over time.
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Key takeaway
The latest gov.ie redundancy payment statistics record 2,055 applications during the first nine months of 2026. While the total remains below the levels seen during the financial crisis and the exceptional 2020 period, the data remains an important indicator of demand for Ireland’s redundancy support system. Anyone affected should check official Department of Social Protection guidance and seek individual advice before applying.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
