The government’s latest move to increase penalties for long-term unemployed individuals has drawn sharp criticism, with some branding it as a “Thatcherite” tactic. The proposal, which is part of the Social Welfare Bill set to be debated in the Seanad this week, seeks to double the existing penalty for those who fail to engage with State employment services. €90 Cut Long-Term Unemployed Branded ‘Thatcherite’
Under the proposed changes, long-term unemployed individuals who do not participate in Social Protection programmes will see their weekly welfare payment reduction increased from €44 to €90. If passed, this measure will come into effect in January 2025, following the changes outlined in Budget 2025. The government claims the move is aimed at preventing individuals from drifting away from the labour market and losing essential skills, with the payment to be fully reinstated upon re-engagement.
According to government sources, this approach is intended to encourage the long-term unemployed to actively seek work, arguing that it is necessary to maintain a connection with the job market. “It’s about ensuring people don’t lose touch with the skills that allow them to progress in their careers,” said a government spokesperson.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris defended the measure, calling it a “common sense” solution that ensures accountability among jobseekers. He reiterated that those claiming Jobseeker’s allowance have a “responsibility to seek employment” and engage with available support services.
However, opposition voices have been quick to condemn the proposal. Social Democrats’ social protection spokesman Gary Gannon criticized the move as “cynical,” suggesting it targets those already struggling. “There’s about 125,000 people unemployed in this country, and many have been in and out of the workforce over the last year,” Gannon stated. He expressed frustration over the lack of data supporting the decision and suggested that it could inflict more harm on vulnerable individuals.
People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy was even more outspoken, likening the measure to policies implemented by the Conservative Party in the UK. “This is a cruel cut from Minister Heather Humphreys,” Murphy said. “It mirrors what the Tories did in Britain, punishing those who are already in a difficult situation.”
The Social Welfare Bill is expected to face heated debate in the Seanad, with opposition TDs pushing for more comprehensive data and alternative solutions. While the government argues that this policy will motivate the unemployed to re-enter the workforce, critics fear it will exacerbate existing inequalities, making life even harder for those who are already struggling.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, the opposition’s call for more detailed discussion and transparency underscores the broader debate over Ireland’s approach to social welfare and employment support, particularly at a time when the cost of living remains a pressing concern for many.
€90 Cut Long-Term Unemployed Branded ‘Thatcherite’
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