NCW reactions to pre-Budget 2008 consultation

The National Council of Women notes that a number of proposals put forward by the Council at the different consultation meetings in preparation for Budget 2008 have been given priority in this final consultative document.

In the field of education, NCW strongly supports the reforms to address more adequately the needs of students to develop technical skills - mechanical, electrical and, more particularly, IT skills - which will lead to the creation of much-needed new jobs in the services sector.

NCW also agrees with proposals to improve systems of education and vocational training for single mothers to provide easier access to paid work.

Together with family-friendly measures at the workplace, these incentives offer opportunities for single mothers to be financially independent.

NCW believes that extending maternity leave to 14 weeks and incentives for the use of childcare facilities are an improvement on the wider package for mothers and fathers to be able to balance work and family responsibilities.

The much-needed legal framework to regulate temping agencies can provide opportunities for individuals who wish to work for a short period while offering solutions to employers, as the labour market seeks to adapt to more flexible work arrangements.

Other incentives to encourage women to set up their own business will serve to increase the participation of women in the labour market and to create new jobs, as required by the Lisbon targets, agreed on by all member states.

Ensuring that people with disabilities are provided with better tools, in particular in IT, to further their studies and provide easier access to the workplace, is in line with Government's social inclusion policy.

NCW reiterates the need for Government to provide financial assistance to families whose children attend private independent schools and who use the services of a facilitator, whose fees, added to the regular school fees, are an extra financial burden on these families.

NCW believes that these priorities should be reflected in the next Budget. However, it is the responsibility of all social partners, both in the public and private sectors to ensure that 2008 Budget measures are put into practice for the economic and social development of our islands.