Menu
01/11/2010
SF Welcomes DUP Economic Plan
Just hours after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader, First Minister Peter Robinson launched a series of economic proposals this morning, the Sinn Fein Spokesperson on the Economy has responded positively.
Mitchel McLaughlin said: "When Sinn Fein published our proposals a number of weeks ago we called for other parties to put their ideas on the table and sit down as an Executive and plot a way forward.
"It is welcome that the DUP have now published their proposals and I am sure the other parties will soon follow suit.
"As an initial observation on the DUP proposals I would welcome the commitment to continue to oppose water charges, however we would have reservations about the proposal to freeze civil servants pay for those over £21,000 a year.
"In our view it is those at the very top of the civil service pay scale who need to be made to contribute more, not those on low grades."
But, he said that he was looking forward to meeting with the DUP and the other parties as well as the trade unions and other stake holders, to "begin the dual process of resisting the Tory attack on public services while at the same time raising revenue to protect the vulnerable and continue to invest in our economy".
Peter Robinson, who is an East Belfast MLA and the former MP for the area, and who was also NI Finance Minister before becoming First Minister, outlined his plan at a business breakfast this morning.
Speaking to an audience of fellow DUP Ministers and local business leaders he said that there should be a civil service pay freeze for the next two years for anyone earning more than £21,000.
He has also called for the domestic regional rate, frozen in recent years, to go up by the rate of inflation over the next four years.
He also proposed and end to 'one-step progression' under which workers gradually move up their pay scales and the removal of performance bonuses, except for those paid at the most basic level.
With an eye of next year's Assembly elections he also opposed the introduction of water charges
Mr Robinson has also proposed that public bodies like the Port of Belfast should be required to pay a dividend to the Executive as an alternative to other ideas for the asset to be sold off.
(BMcC/GK)
Mitchel McLaughlin said: "When Sinn Fein published our proposals a number of weeks ago we called for other parties to put their ideas on the table and sit down as an Executive and plot a way forward.
"It is welcome that the DUP have now published their proposals and I am sure the other parties will soon follow suit.
"As an initial observation on the DUP proposals I would welcome the commitment to continue to oppose water charges, however we would have reservations about the proposal to freeze civil servants pay for those over £21,000 a year.
"In our view it is those at the very top of the civil service pay scale who need to be made to contribute more, not those on low grades."
But, he said that he was looking forward to meeting with the DUP and the other parties as well as the trade unions and other stake holders, to "begin the dual process of resisting the Tory attack on public services while at the same time raising revenue to protect the vulnerable and continue to invest in our economy".
Peter Robinson, who is an East Belfast MLA and the former MP for the area, and who was also NI Finance Minister before becoming First Minister, outlined his plan at a business breakfast this morning.
Speaking to an audience of fellow DUP Ministers and local business leaders he said that there should be a civil service pay freeze for the next two years for anyone earning more than £21,000.
He has also called for the domestic regional rate, frozen in recent years, to go up by the rate of inflation over the next four years.
He also proposed and end to 'one-step progression' under which workers gradually move up their pay scales and the removal of performance bonuses, except for those paid at the most basic level.
With an eye of next year's Assembly elections he also opposed the introduction of water charges
Mr Robinson has also proposed that public bodies like the Port of Belfast should be required to pay a dividend to the Executive as an alternative to other ideas for the asset to be sold off.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 July 2014
Newton Calls For Meeting With Bombardier
East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has sought a meeting with Bombardier senior management. Mr Newton is seeking reassurance that no jobs in Northern Ireland will be affected by the latest restructuring announcement. Mr Newton said: "I understand the concerns of the workforce.
Newton Calls For Meeting With Bombardier
East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has sought a meeting with Bombardier senior management. Mr Newton is seeking reassurance that no jobs in Northern Ireland will be affected by the latest restructuring announcement. Mr Newton said: "I understand the concerns of the workforce.
11 March 2002
Employers urged to address issue of equal pay
Employers have been urged to apply for a Castle Award, the new mark of excellence which will reward employers’ efforts in tackling equal pay issues.
Employers urged to address issue of equal pay
Employers have been urged to apply for a Castle Award, the new mark of excellence which will reward employers’ efforts in tackling equal pay issues.
04 March 2002
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Sweetened'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy - but also pointing to a better deal on discounts for users.
Gas Price Hike 'Sweetened'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy - but also pointing to a better deal on discounts for users.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
