Casual workers to have benefits cut

At least 18,000 temporary or casual workers will see cuts to their benefit payments kick in from today in what was described as a “sneaky move”.

Changes to the jobseeker’s allowance, which were included in this year’s budget, will mean payments will be based on a five-day working week rather than six. This means a person who works a three day week will get top-up payments for two, rather than three more days.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on social protection, Willie O’Dea has accused the Government of trying to “sneak in this cut under the radar in a hidden way”.