Union calls on all parties to endorse target of halving in-work poverty during term of next Government

In an initial response to the Oireachtas Report on Low Pay, Decent Work and a Living Wage published today (Wednesday December 9^th), trade union Unite said the report was a further indication that low pay is now firmly on the political agenda. The union welcomed the report’s recommendations that the Living Wage (currently €11.50 per hour) be accepted as a key target by the Low Pay Commission, and that the state should become a Living Wage employer, with payment of the Living Wage being stipulated as mandatory in government procurement contracts.

Speaking this afternoon, Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly said:

“Today’s publication of the Oireachtas Report on Low Pay, Decent Work and a Living Wage is a further indication that low pay is now firmly on the political agenda, and the report’s focus on measures to achieve a Living Wage is particularly welcome at a time when one in every four people suffering multiple deprivation is in work.

“In particular, Unite welcomes the recommendation that a Living Wage be achieved by progressively increasing the Minimum Wage, combined with investment in public services – an approach which Unite has recommended.

“This report makes a very positive contribution to the ongoing debate on low pay and decent work.

“Unite would urge all parties in the Dail to sign up to the report’s recommendation that the next Government set a target of halving the rate of in-work poverty during their term of office”, Jimmy Kelly concluded.