Latest news with #Jobseekers
Dublin Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Dublin Live
Social welfare Ireland: TD says €12 dole rise in Budget 'not feasible' as row deepens
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Nearly 13,500 people have been on Jobseekers Allowance for over five years, with nearly 5,000 on the payment for a decade or more, new figures have revealed. It comes as the coalition is on yet another collision course over whether to increase pension rates and the social welfare rates to the same extent during Budget 2026. John Paul O'Shea, a Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the powerful Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, stated a €12 dole rise "will not be feasible" in October's budget as he said there is "no reason" why people should be on the payment for more than 12 months. Last week, Tánaiste Simon Harris suggested that he was "not convinced that you need to see as significant a rise in the dole as you do on the pension, for example, at the time when our country's in full employment and there's lots of supports out there for people getting into work". However, speaking in Japan, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned against creating distinctions and said that Fine Gael had never proposed the idea of differing increases. This is despite senior Fine Gael sources confirming to the Irish Mirror that it was put forward by then Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys as an option. New figures provided to the Irish Mirror by the Department of Social Protection confirmed that 46,940 people had been on Jobseeker's Allowance for more than one year. Some 9,809 people have been receiving the payment for between two and three years, while 5,066 people have been on Jobseekers for three to four years. Another 2,784 people have been receiving the weekly payment for four to five years. In total, 13,391 people have been on Jobseekers for more than five years. Of these, 8,487 people have been in receipt of it for more than five years, while 4,904 have been classified as unemployed for a decade or more. Deputy O'Shea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North-West and chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, told the Irish Mirror that "there is no reason why people should be on Jobseekers for longer than 12 months". When asked if he agreed with the Tánaiste's suggestion that social protection rates and pensions did not need to be increased at the same rate as part of Budget 2026, he said, "Absolutely". He continued: "We obviously went and gave everyone on social welfare benefits €12 of [an] increase last year. I don't think that is feasible this year, given the conversations we've had only last week in terms of trying to fund the [third level] student contribution fee as part of Government next year. "A €1 increase [to social welfare payments] would actually pay for the whole of the entire student contribution fee that's required. "I don't [know] why we should be prioritising job seekers who are on Jobseekers for over 12 months, and not to mention five years or 10 years, on the basis of the other requirements we have to fund within budget." At a press conference on Monday following the Government's Competitiveness Summit, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers declined to wade into the potential budget clash between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. He said: "[Social Protection] Minister [Dara] Calleary will obviously examine the different supports that exist in the social protection system and how best to prioritise that in the context of Budget 2026. "One component is obviously Jobseekers. There's Disability Allowance, Carers and obviously pension supports as well. "It's within that context that he'll have to assess what the relative increases will be as part of next year's budget. "But it will be in a different fiscal context than we've seen in previous years, and that means every minister will have to prioritise the increased supports they want to see for different areas that they're responsible for." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
TD says €12 dole rise in Budget 'not feasible' as social welfare row deepens
Nearly 13,500 people have been on Jobseekers Allowance for over five years, with nearly 5,000 on the payment for a decade or more, new figures have revealed. It comes as the coalition is on yet another collision course over whether to increase pension rates and the social welfare rates to the same extent during Budget 2026. John Paul O'Shea, a Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the powerful Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, stated a €12 dole rise 'will not be feasible' in October's budget as he said there is 'no reason' why people should be on the payment for more than 12 months. Last week, Tánaiste Simon Harris suggested that he was 'not convinced that you need to see as significant a rise in the dole as you do on the pension, for example, at the time when our country's in full employment and there's lots of supports out there for people getting into work'. However, speaking in Japan, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned against creating distinctions and said that Fine Gael had never proposed the idea of differing increases. This is despite senior Fine Gael sources confirming to the Irish Mirror that it was put forward by then Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys as an option. New figures provided to the Irish Mirror by the Department of Social Protection confirmed that 46,940 people had been on Jobseeker's Allowance for more than one year. Some 9,809 people have been receiving the payment for between two and three years, while 5,066 people have been on Jobseekers for three to four years. Another 2,784 people have been receiving the weekly payment for four to five years. In total, 13,391 people have been on Jobseekers for more than five years. Of these, 8,487 people have been in receipt of it for more than five years, while 4,904 have been classified as unemployed for a decade or more. Deputy O'Shea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North-West and chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, told the Irish Mirror that 'there is no reason why people should be on Jobseekers for longer than 12 months'. When asked if he agreed with the Tánaiste's suggestion that social protection rates and pensions did not need to be increased at the same rate as part of Budget 2026, he said, 'Absolutely'. He continued: 'We obviously went and gave everyone on social welfare benefits €12 of [an] increase last year. I don't think that is feasible this year, given the conversations we've had only last week in terms of trying to fund the [third level] student contribution fee as part of Government next year. 'A €1 increase [to social welfare payments] would actually pay for the whole of the entire student contribution fee that's required. 'I don't [know] why we should be prioritising job seekers who are on Jobseekers for over 12 months, and not to mention five years or 10 years, on the basis of the other requirements we have to fund within budget.' At a press conference on Monday following the Government's Competitiveness Summit, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers declined to wade into the potential budget clash between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. He said: '[Social Protection] Minister [Dara] Calleary will obviously examine the different supports that exist in the social protection system and how best to prioritise that in the context of Budget 2026. 'One component is obviously Jobseekers. There's Disability Allowance, Carers and obviously pension supports as well. 'It's within that context that he'll have to assess what the relative increases will be as part of next year's budget. 'But it will be in a different fiscal context than we've seen in previous years, and that means every minister will have to prioritise the increased supports they want to see for different areas that they're responsible for.'
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
New Zealand enjoys GDP bump of 0.8 per cent in Q1
New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Economic Growth Still In The Hole Dug In 2024
Data released by Stats NZ today shows that the economy grew on a quarterly basis by 0.8% but fell on an annual basis by 1.1% said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. 'This is positive data for the first quarter of this year, but the fact that the economy is about the same size it was in March 2023 tells you that essentially we have had almost zero economic growth (0.3%) over the past two years.' 'GDP per capita ($52,872) is now lower than it was in March 2022 ($53,100). It took another fall on an annual basis of 2.4%. There were falls in 11 of the 16 sectors of the economy annually – led by construction (-9.3%), wholesale trade (-3.6%) , and business services (-2%). Both goods producing industries and service industries saw contraction this year.' 'The data shows that workers incomes aren't keeping up with profits. Stats NZ shows that compensation of employees rose 1.5% this quarter before inflation. Gross operating surplus and gross mixed incomes (a broad measure of profit) rose 2%. Employee compensation was revised down in the December quarter to -0.2%.' 'The lack of business confidence in the economy is present in the business investment data. Business investment fell this year. Non-residential building investment fell 2.9%. Transport equipment purchases fell 6%. Households are feeling it to, with purchase of durable goods being lower than they were in December 2023,' Renney said. 'This data shows us how far we fell over the past year in economic terms. The growth in GDP this quarter is welcome – but the economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth.' 'It's time for the Government to realise that its economic growth plan isn't working. There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers this year. 48% of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change.'
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits are being warned of a big change coming on Monday. 1 Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are usually closed on weekends too. Phone lines and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Some branches may be open on Saturdays so it's worth checking your nearest branches opening hours. Jobcentre Plus branches provide a range of services helping jobseekers, long-term sick or disabled people find employment or claim benefits. The government-funded employment agency and social security office, is found in most cities and towns. It was was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency. It was renamed to Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). The bank holiday on Monday will also see benefit payment dates altered. This is because payments are usually made the first working day before a bank holiday. Remember, if you are paid early you'll need to make the money last longer as you'll have to wait extra days until your next payment. If you are expecting an early payment and don't get it double check the dates you are usually paid and contact your bank. If you need further help or assistance you must contact the DWP. How does work affect Universal Credit? Complaints about unpaid benefits can be filed with the DWP. You can go to for more information. OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials. Benefit payments have recently risen for millions, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. How much yours could rise by depends on your personal circumstances. You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
