Call for easing of welfare rules for part-time workers

Part-time workers could see an easing of rules allowing them to supplement their income with welfare payments under proposals from an Oireachtas committee.

TDs argued that an hours-based system for casual workers could allow them to work up to 24 hours a week as well as claim welfare.

However, the authors of the report admitted yesterday that an easing of rules for workers could see as many as an extra 50,000 people temporarily moving on to the Live Register.