Minimum Wage Cut Will Force Families On Welfare-O'Leary

Minimum Wage Cut Will Force Families On Welfare


Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has said the proposed cut in the minimum wage will see more families claiming Family Income Supplement and will cost the government money.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“The proposed cut in the hourly minimum wage from €8.65 to €7.65 is not only grossly unfair – it will cost the government money.”

“It will push a significant number of families, particularly those with only one earner, under the threshold at which they can claim Family Income Supplement.”

“This will further increase the social welfare bill, which is already soaring because of the government’s calamitous failure to tackle the unemployment crisis. In effect, the government will be using the welfare system to supplement employers who pay their workers poverty wages.”

“This is not only unjust, it does not make economic sense. People are entitled to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The minimum wage should be set at a level that allows people live with dignity, not one that leaves them dependent on the social welfare system to get by.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307