330,000 workers exempt from universal social charge

A THIRD of a million low-paid and part-time workers will be exempted from the universal social charge (USC) from next month, but for many the gain will not make up for what they have lost in welfare supports.

Under the new arrangement, workers with annual earnings under €10,036 will no longer have to pay the USC, whereas currently those with earnings under €4,004 are exempt.

This will benefit 330,000 workers in low-paid sectors or in part-time or seasonal jobs, although the saving to them will amount to just €200 per year or €4 per week.