Latest news with #SocialProtection
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Industry concerns emerge as Gig Workers Bill set for parliamentary reading
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — Industry players are warning the government against rushing the Gig Workers Bill through Parliament this month, saying the legislation should not proceed without first establishing a dedicated commission to oversee the sector. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, managing partner at think tank MYmobility, questioned the urgency and called for the immediate establishment of the Malaysia Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) to lead regulation and policy development. He argued that pushing the Bill ahead of SEGiM's formation is 'putting the cart before the horse' and risks introducing a flawed framework that fails to reflect the industry's realities, Scoop reported. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently announced the first reading of the Bill will take place on August 14, with a second reading and debate scheduled on August 26. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the Bill, developed after consultations with over 3,000 workers, is intended to offer social protection to 1.12 million gig workers and has received positive feedback internationally. Some platform operators remain uneasy, however, saying the Bill's content has not been shared and appears disconnected from day-to-day operational challenges. Rahman Hussin, head of business development at Kiddocare, urged the government to release the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), saying businesses need clarity on compliance costs and the feasibility of implementing mandatory Perkeso deductions. Jalludin Abu Hassan, director of rural-focused Halo Delivery, echoed concerns over financial strain, warning that high compliance costs could force smaller firms to shut down and leave the market dominated by large corporations.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Forum charts bold vision for Oman's labour market
SALALAH: The Ministry of Labour wrapped up its 'Future of Work Forum' on Tuesday, capping two days of dynamic discussions that brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and labour market experts from Oman and abroad. Held as part of Labour Forum 2025, the event explored how Oman's work environment is evolving — and what must be done to make it future-ready. From social protections to career guidance and the rise of mental resilience in the workplace, the sessions reflected a bold vision to reshape how people live and work in Oman. One of the headline sessions, 'Fostering an Enabling Work Environment and Attracting Talent", tackled some of the most pressing questions in the labour space. Experts discussed how stronger public-private partnerships, better occupational safety, and smarter social protection systems can empower Omanis to thrive in tomorrow's economy. Another key panel, 'Social Dialogue and the Future of Labour Markets", focused on how inclusive conversations among governments, businesses and workers can help shape balanced, fair and resilient labour policies. Participants called for new models of engagement to ensure that all voices — from factory floors to boardrooms — have a role in shaping the future of work. Running alongside the main forum, the 'Future Talents: Thought and Work' student exhibition continued to draw visitors. Featuring creative projects by vocational college students, the exhibition included a standout workshop on 'Psychological and Professional Resilience' — a timely reminder that soft skills are just as vital as technical ones in today's workplace. The exhibition remains open to the public until Thursday, August 7.
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Govt urged to 'save the industry' and put more support in place for farmers
Government is being urged to "save" the agricultural industry and put more financial support in place with "less red tape, rigmarole and bureaucracy". Aontú senator Sarah O'Reilly, who sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries, said she believes recent jobseeker payment figures published could be "an underestimate of the numbers leaving" the agriculture sector. She said that for many, farming "was not just a source of income, but a way of life - an occupation handed down from grandparent to parent to child over the years". "Government policies have been incredibly anti-farmer and anti-rural over the last few years, with threats to cull the herd, the Mercosur trade deal and carbon taxes creating huge worry on farms across the country," O'Reilly said. O'Reilly said that often, the money offered to farmers if they sign up to certain schemes "is not worth it". "The delayed ACRES payments, the codology that is 'rewetting' the bogs, all pose a huge threat to the farmer and to his or her ability to make any profit," she said. "All our young people are gone to Australia or Canada, and farms are being abandoned, planted or sold." She said Irish produce is "second to none" on many fronts. "We need to save the industry. There needs to be more financial support put in place - less red tape, rigmarole and bureaucracy," O'Reilly said. "The government needs to stop treating farmers like second-class citizens; they need to recognise that farmers are some of the most decent and astute businessmen and women in the country. "But, government policies particularly around the environment, TB, taxation and issues like that are driving them into debt." Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary recently the number of people who applied for Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit who listed their previous employment as farming in each of the past 10 years. The minister in response published figures on the number of claims made by individuals where the employment immediately prior to the claim commencement was in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. These figures show the number of recipients at the end of each month in the specific year who had an employment in the sector immediately before the jobseeker's claim started, a Department of Social Protection spokesperson explained. In June 2025, the relevant figure was 268, compared with 451 in the same month last year. "It is possible that that recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit are still engaged in farming on a part-time basis," the department spokesperson told Agriland. "Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance are payable where a person is working for up to 3 days every week and where they satisfy the other conditions of the scheme. "In the case of Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, a person can be engaged in subsidiary employment which is work that could ordinarily have been followed by the person in addition to their usual employment." To qualify as subsidiary, the total remuneration or profit from the employment should not exceed €7,500 on an annual basis, or, €144 on a weekly basis, the department said. "Alternatively, if a person has at least 117 employment contributions paid from employment at class A or H, in respect of the period of three years immediately preceding that day, or in respect of the last three complete contribution years immediately preceding that day, then no earnings limit is applicable," the spokesperson added. The Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, introduced in March 2025 and based on earnings from work before a person became unemployed, was not included in the June 2025 figure of 268, and this would increase the number to 375, the department said.
Irish Independent
31-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
No energy credits in upcoming Budget 2026 but VAT and fuel allowance measures possible
Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien also confirmed he wanted to retain the lower VAT rate on gas and electricity that was introduced as a cost of living support three years ago. His remarks came as latest figures showed a record 301,000 households in arrears on their energy bills. Mr O'Brien said the numbers were a concern and he urged anyone in arrears to talk to their gas or electricity provider and avail of the arrangements for people unable to pay, stressing that only a 'tiny' number of domestic customers were disconnected. The Minister said he had chaired the second meeting of the Energy Affordability Task Force on Thursday to look at the wider issue and the interventions needed. 'I will be bringing an interim report to Government in advance of the Budget and we will assess that as to what measures can be taken,' he said. 'I think the vat reduction from 13.5pc to 9pc is a very important one, one that I would like to see extended into next year. That decision will be taken at Budget time.' Mr O'Brien said the universal energy credits had totalled €3.5bn which ate into funding available for other measures. 'That level of one-off payments is very significant and the more you put into that, the less that you can put into medium and long-term sustainable measures to change our energy system and to ensure that we have secure and affordable energy and green and clean energy too. 'There won't be any energy credits in the budget but we are looking at other measures targeted at those who need them most.' He said he would discuss the level of fuel allowance with Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary. 'Vulnerable families, low income families – that's the focus of what we'll do in the budget,' he said. He would also look at growing the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides free retrofits and energy upgrades for low-income households, as well as making grant-assisted works more affordable and accessible for more people. 'We have seen a levelling off of energy prices but we're still the eighth most expensive in Europe. Prices are too expensive within Ireland.'
Irish Independent
23-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre launches ‘bold' five year plan
The plan was officially unveiled by Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, highlighting the critical role of community-led initiatives in national social development. The new plan focuses on key areas that are vital to community development, including: Expanding child care capacity: Ensuring more families have access to quality, affordable childcare. Improving community facilities: Enhancing spaces that support community engagement, education, and wellness. Enhancing mental health services: Providing more comprehensive mental health support for all age groups. Supporting integration of new and emerging communities: Offering resources to foster inclusion and community integration. Investing in staff development: Addressing workforce constraints through robust staff retention and development programs. Speaking at the launch, Minister Dara Calleary said: 'This strategic plan is a powerful example of how local leadership can drive meaningful change. 'Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre is not only responding to the current needs of its community—it is planning boldly for the future. 'I am proud to support this initiative with funding from my Department under the Community Centre Investment Fund and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across the region.' Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre is committed to fostering a resilient, inclusive community,' said Sandra Cribben, Project Coordinator. 'With this strategic plan, we are reinforcing our mission to serve South Sligo and beyond, prioritizing collective action and long-term growth,' she added. The strategic plan was developed with input from a variety of community stakeholders and service users ensuring that the needs and aspirations of local residents are at the forefront of the company's efforts. 'By embracing innovation and community engagement, we are not just planning for the future—we are building it. 'This strategic plan represents our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of South Sligo, creating a foundation for a thriving, inclusive community for years to come,' said Brendan McAuley, Chairperson, Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre. Fergal Landy, CEO, Family Resource Centre National Forum said: 'The Family Resource Centre Programme has always been about empowering communities through human rights-based development. 'Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre's new strategic plan aligns perfectly with this vision, and their focus on inclusivity and helping families will be key in strengthening community resilience for years to come.' Sharon Bowles, Manager, Sligo County Child Care Committee said: 'Access to quality childcare is fundamental to a child's development. 'It provides a solid foundation for learning, social skills, and emotional growth. Tubbercurry Family and Child Care Resource Centre's focus on expanding childcare capacity will ensure that more children in South Sligo have the opportunities they deserve to thrive, while also supporting families in balancing their personal and professional lives.' The launch brought together elected representatives, community leaders from Tubbercurry, and service providers, and local families, all united by a shared vision for a resilient and connected community.
