Sir, – According to Department of Social Protection’s research, 75 per cent of those receiving social welfare would be better off financially in work (Front page, October 22nd). Another article showed there were about 18,000 training and education places for young job-seekers, yet the total number unemployed for four months or more aged 25 and under was over double that at 41,000.
These two facts significantly question the Government’s rationale for cutting social welfare payments for those aged 25 and under from next year. The supposed rationale was that these cuts would incentivise young people to find employment or take up education placements. The reality is there is a complete shortage of jobs available. The Nevin Economic Research Institute found there were 32 people available for work for every vacancy in the country in 2012.
What’s even more galling is the fact that while on placements such as JobBridge, participants receive a basic social welfare payment and an allowance, meaning the government has significantly reduced the income of those participating on these schemes. From next January, someone aged 18 to 25 and under will receive a maximum payment of €3.75 for working a 40 hour week on JobBridge. The Government should be striving to reduce the social protection budget by focusing on job creation rather than unfairly scapegoating the unemployed. – Yours, etc,
EOIN DINEEN,
Pampas Grove, The Rise,
Bishopstown, Cork.