Public sector jobs plan a ‘stealth tax’

THE GOVERNMENT was last night accused of introducing a new stealth tax after it announced measures which would clear the way for private recruitment agencies to charge applicants for public sector jobs.

The criticism comes as Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy yesterday published several amendments to the Public Service Management Bill which is intended to streamline and modernise civil service recruitment systems.

However, Labour finance spokeswoman Joan Burton said a financial resolution being introduced to the Bill would clear the way for the Government to seek fees from job applicants.