CTU MEDIA RELEASE
09 October 2008
Redundancy moves the right one
A proposal to looks at guaranteed redundancy payments for workers is a good step forward and deserves cross party
support, the Council of Trade Unions said today.
“At a time when many fat cats offshore are getting big packages despite creating the global credit crunch, it is good to
see the prospect of ordinary workers having decent compensation when they are laid off,” CTU president Helen Kelly said.
"Being made redundant is a stressful time for workers both personally and financially. The greater the assistance
available to them the better. The reality is that when business is failing the burden of that failure falls unfairly on
workers when they are laid off without compensation.”
“It is good to see that the Advisory Group on redundancy and restructuring agreed that the Government should consider a
statutory requirement for notice and compensation. This is another step forward, following the inclusion of redundancy
as a priority payment in insolvencies, and adjusting the tax on workers’ redundancy payments.”
“Many union members are already protected through collective agreements. But redundancy should be part of the minimum
code of work rights that covers all workers.”
The CTU would consult with affiliates and take an active part in proposed consultation next year, Helen Kelly said.
ENDS