AD said in a statment this evening that it has been the only party which has consistently called on Government to protect those on low income by considering a revision in the minimum wage which in reality is a social wage.

AD added that it supports the proposal made by Caritas that people who find low-income employment should not stop receiving certain benefits. This would not only ensure a more decent income to such workers but would also act as an incentive for people not to continue depending only on benefits.

In its recently released Document on Budget Implementation, Caritas Malta called for measures to assist very low income families, particularly those dependant on social benefits and the minimum wage, saying that this should not stop them receiving particular benefits.

AD went on to say that it is satisfied that “once again the Church NGO Caritas is confirming the need for the Government to protect not only those who do not work from the poverty trap but also those who work but receive a very low income. In-work poverty is a reality experienced by a significant number of workers who find it difficult to support their families.”

AD Chairperson, Arnold Cassola, said, “we acknowledge that there are a number of initiatives which are aimed at alleviating the poverty of low-income earners such as tax exemptions, government subsidies on basic utilities as well as other benefits. However, the Green Paper on Poverty and Social Inclusion which was published last week makes no reference to the possibility of a revision of the minimum wage.”

“We once again urge the Government not to rule out such an important measure aimed at reducing poverty. We urge the Government to consider the proposals made by Caritas to find a balance between ensuring a decent standard of living to low-income earners without encouraging welfare dependency,” Arnold Cassola concluded.

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