4.1% welfare cuts ‘will push youth abroad’

SOCIAL welfare payments will be cut by 4.1%, affecting everyone under pensionable age and raising fears that thousands of younger jobseekers will now flee the country.

Budget 2010 outlined savings of €760 million on social welfare, but interest groups and the opposition said the young, poor and vulnerable would be left counting the cost of yesterday’s decisions.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said the cost of living fell by 6.5% in the past 12 months, compared to the new 4.1% reduction in social welfare. That will mean dole payments will fall by up to €8.30 a week for current recipients.