Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed Government approval for a 5% pay increase for community employment workers across various schemes this year. More than 1,600 employees of organisations that manage Community Employment (CE), Tús, Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Job Initiative (JI) are due to benefit from the pay deal.
Deputy Smith said community and voluntary sector workers provide vital services and have not had a pay rise since 2008. He highlighted how "this modest increase" is in addition to a new mechanism for engagement on future pay determination, would benefit all those involved.
Deputy Smith added the importance of the Government continuing its effort to reform the Community Employment Scheme so it becomes an attractive option for participants and staff members.
"Some 1,641 staff, who work as supervisors, assistant supervisors and team leaders in the delivery of the CE, Tús, RSS and JI, are recognised for their important work in communities across the country. Under the agreement, these workers will receive an increase of 3% from 1 April 2023, which will be backdated, and a further 2% from the 1st of November 2023.
"I am acutely aware that Community Employment Scheme workers provide vital services to communities throughout the country. Resolving this issue has been a priority for my party for many years and I am pleased that a resolution has finally been arrived at," he added.
