You could probably get yourself a sandwich.
Amidst all the major talking points of Budget 2017, one detail almost went unnoticed.
Ireland’s minimum wage has increased but in a budget that was notable for €5 increases – pensions and social welfare payments being the main two – the minimum wage has increased by 10 cents per hour, that’s €4 if you work a 40 hour week.
Minimum wage to increase by 10 cent to €9.25. @IrishTimes
— Fiach Kelly (@fiachkelly) October 11, 2016
Labour Senator and Spokesperson on Labour Affairs and Workers Rights, Ged Nash, has stated that this figure is “a slap in the face for 70 thousand of Ireland’s lowest paid workers” and that “the government has failed to meet its own commitments to raise the minimum wage to €10.50”.
Some people have remarked that while an increase to Jobseeker’s Allowance is welcome, it shouldn’t exceed the additional funds allocated to the minimum wage.
In a budget of fivers, full time workers on the minimum wage get less than €4 per week #Budget2017
— Ged Nash TD (@geraldnash) October 11, 2016
€5 a week welfare payments increase is welcome (even if its really €4) however minimum wage workers are to get 10c an hour. #Budget2017
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) October 11, 2016
People have questioned the increase, mainly on the grounds that it might act as a deterrent to those seeking employment.
so a person on the minimum wage will see a smaller increase in take home pay than someone on the dole? Incentive to work?? #Budget2017
— Declan Walsh (@deckie) October 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sandyc101/status/785844447271673861
https://twitter.com/JonathanCooney9/status/785829971663187968
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