Zminijietna – Voice of the Left said "that Budget 2017 should target income disparity, housing inequality and precarious employment. National Statistics confirm that around 100,000 people are at risks of poverty and social exclusion (22.4%)."

Zminijietna said that "with regards to worker's wage gap, Zminijietna appeals to the government to increase the national minimum wage income. This will be of a benefit to all workers on minimum wage income, whether they are full-time, part-time or on a fixed term contract."

"Household inequalities should also be addressed, as property prices and rent fees are getting higher. Thus, the number of families on low income who are finding it difficult to live in a decent accommodation is also increasing. The government should introduce immediate measures to assists those in need of assistance to live in decent accommodation," it said.

"Also the government should target speculation in property prices and rent fees. Policies with regards rent regulation, like those applied in the Scandinavian region should also be analysed and studied. In addition, the government should also start taxing vacant property (third property onwards)" stated Zminijietna – Voice of the Left.

"Measures to address precariousness in the labour market must be more consistent, such as incentives to create new jobs on an indefinite contract, together with new regulations to limit the number of workers engaged on a temporary job contract or part-time employment."

Zminijietna concluded by saying that "another sector which needs to be addressed is that of immigrants and their integration in society. Till date, immigrants are still working in precarious jobs with limited rights and conditions of work and often exploited by employers. In order to address this situation, the Authorities should invest in opening up job centres which will help immigrants integrate in society and avoid further abuses."

Permalink: Budget should address housing inequality & wage gap- Zminijietna