Bruton must publish Forfás report on impact of sick pay changes – O’Dea
Published on: 28 November 2011
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has called on Minister Richard Bruton to publish the Forfás report he has received on the potential impact on business and loss of jobs from the proposed changes to sick pay.
Deputy O’Dea said: “I note this morning that the Minister has received a report from Forfás which details the potential impact on jobs and competitiveness in the economy and the direct impact on companies to proposals from the Social Protection Minister Joan Burton on sick pay. The Minister’s plan to shift the costs of the first month of sick pay onto employers has been met with great concern in the industry about the impact on jobs.
“In light of Minister Bruton’s own public comments over many years for the need for reform of the budget process I expect that the Minister will be publishing this report this week in advance of the budget next week. There will be ample opportunity for the Government to consider the report at Cabinet this week after which groups representing businesses and the public themselves should be able to see the potential impact of the proposals.
“We have already seen this year that the Government has been very slow to publish information and advice it received on the €2bn levy on private pension funds. If there is going to be a major shift in policy which increases the burden on businesses we must be aware of what advice the Government is getting before taking its decisions. I would urge the Minister to act decisively and positively in this regard this week.”