‘Ireland needs an immediate and significant pay rise’

With soaring inflation rates and stagnating wages unable to pay for every-day essentials, both private and public sector workers need an immediate and significant pay rise to combat the cost of living crisis, a Labour TD has said.

Ged Nash, TD, Labour finance spokesperson, said: “Over the weekend we continue to read reports on soaring inflation rates but deafening silence from the government on how they will create the conditions to give people some relief to pay for everyday essentials.

“We all know wages are struggling to keep up with inflation and real incomes are falling for the first time since 2013.

“Despite pay rises negotiated by unions over the last year, inflation is running at such a pace, at 6.7% for March, that living standards are falling fast and people need a break.

“The fact is that we are living in a low wage republic and that is simply not good enough. One in five workers in Ireland are low paid and Ireland needs a pay rise.

“We know increases in take home pay can do the heavy lifting to protect people from spiralling inflation – especially for those who are experiencing the sharp end of rising energy, fuel, and food prices.

“Coming out of the pandemic, people are demanding a better deal and the government has the power to take a lead.

“They can start by moving to introduce a living income for all their own staff and those providing support services in the public sector.

“They can then double the €500 limit that employers can give workers in tax-free vouchers.

“The Low Pay Commission should also pay real attention to our demand for an increase to the minimum wage without any further delay.”