Alliance welcomes 'back to work' incentives

12.00.00am GMT Fri 12th Mar 1999

Alliance Spokesperson on Training and Employment, Jayne Dunlop, has welcomed the introduction of the 10p income tax band in the Budget last week.

Cllr Dunlop said:

"The Alliance Party's policy on employment recommends a lower tax rate for those entering employment and suggests other incentives to encourage people to seek work such as reduced national insurance contributions for those moving from benefits to employment. The introduction of a 10p tax band will help to reduce the financial burden of those on low incomes. We believe that the unemployed, especially the long term unemployed, should be given every incentive and encouragement to find employment and should not be worse off because they have entered the world of work."

"The Working Families Tax Credit which aims to make work pay more than benefit, is another welcome announcement which should ensure that working families earn a minimum of £200 per week. The Chancellor's 'Employment Credit' which will guarantee a minimum income of £9000 a year for over 50's who have been unemployed for 6 months or more during their first year back in full time work, is also seen as a positive move".

ENDS.