Labour calls for stimulus package

The government needs to prepare an economic stimulus package appropriate for the difficult times facing the world, the Labour Party spokesman for industry, Carmelo Abela has said.

The package should include a training programme for workers who are at risk of losing their job because of the international financial crisis. He also appealed for the government to take the necessary measures to ease the difficulties being faced by workers who lost their jobs, especially since a number of them had bank loans to pay off.

Mr Abela said the government should reduce tax burdens and other expenses that were posing hurdles for investment and the economy, including the high water and electricity tariffs introduced at a bad time.