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Unite dismisses budget for doing nothing to address crisis of job losses

7th April 2009

The Unite trade union has dismissed today's budget as doing nothing to address the underlying crisis of job losses. It has also called for a general election so that alternative and better options can be put to the people.

"This government is seeking to escape recession through taking money out of the economy," said Unite regional secretary Jimmy Kelly.  "It has never worked in any economy and it will not work here.

"Saving and creating jobs is the only way to work this out. Each job lost costs €20,000 in lost tax and increased social welfare. It also has a direct negative impact on other jobs.

"The blanket doubling of income levies hits the lowest paid the hardest. How can this be considered as fair?

"We need stimulus. This budget will only bring stagnation. The current government has failed in its responsibility to the people. The people now need the opportunity to change the government."

ENDS

Jimmy Kelly - Unite - 087 9003217
Rob Hartnett, Hartnett McClure PR - 086 3851955
David Williams, Hartnett McClure PR – 087-4197140