Government of contradictions failing on jobs

THIS is fast becoming a government of contradictions.

At one time in the past 10 years, I did employ up to 20 people. I am no longer an employer, and do not intend to be one again any time soon, given what I witness in this new government.

Their policies are contradictory to their aspirations of creating an environment for new employment growth. Ireland continues to be uncompetitive in world terms. The road to recovery begins with the creation of one extra job.

After the general election the Government added back one euro to the national minimum wage, in a move that was unnecessary, when a correction had been made by the previous administration and the labour market was adjusting. Employers were disheartened and discouraged to hire. It is now proposed to increase 21% VAT to 23%, affecting thousands of jobs in the services and retail sectors, while the 13.5% was reduced to 9%. Surely there can be no justifiable distinction between an employee in a clothing store and an employee in a hair salon. Yet this move in VAT actively discriminates against service sector and retail employment. Jobs will be lost, not created, as these sectors struggle for mere survival. The policy is a contradiction in terms.

It now seems that employers are now to be required to pay sick leave to absent employees, previously paid for by the Department of Welfare. This will add even further to the costs of creating employment, at a time when even one extra job created is to be valued and nurtured. Employers are an endangered species, discouraged by a dangerous government.

Brian Cooper

Old Youghal Road

Cork