One million to be hit by axing of Christmas bonus

MORE than a million people will be affected by the Government’s decision to scrap the Christmas social welfare bonus, and some will be forced into the hands of moneylenders, Labour has warned.

The bonus consists of a double payment coming up to Christmas, but the Government announced on Budget Day that it would no longer be paid.

Speaking during a Dáil debate on the issue last night, Labour social affairs spokeswoman Roisín Shortall called on the Government to reconsider.