Unite calls for budget tax cuts

Targeted tax reductions for low-and middle-income workers, an increase in employer’s PRSI to pay for a new unemployment benefit, an increase in taxes through a raft of new measures and a major ramp-up in public investment are included in trade union Unite’s pre-budget submission.

“Even with constrained budgetary conditions, the Government can still launch an expansionary programme of investment, increased wages and new public services and income support programmes.

“The debate over marginal changes in tax rates and tax bands diverts us from the real issue: That workers are not only subsidising an extremely low-level of contributions from employers and the corporate sector; they are now being asked to subsidise tax cuts which will undermine the Government’s ability to boost living standards.