The number of people claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen by 32,800 in the last week.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, 465,900 people are now receiving the payment.

Some of those returning to work will now avail of the temporary wage subsidy scheme, with an estimated 410,000 employees across 61,800 companies currently being supported by it.

Ian Guider, markets editor of the Business Post, joined us with this and more of the day's business news, including:

• Construction sector could enter recession next year
• Just five eligible companies have been approved under €180 million COVID-19 fund
• The North Face and Patagonia boycott Facebook ads