Failed training scheme for the lowly paid

We consider the training scheme launched by the government in the last Budget for minimum wage earners as having failed to reach social targets, for the workers to further improve their standard of living. The latest figures show that the number of workers who applied for this scheme from its inception was only one.

This idea seemed good on paper but in practice it could not meet its targets. Examining the social and economic situation of these workers and their families shows how it is logically impossible for a minimum wage earner to refuse overtime or give up a part-time job, to go and attend these courses. In fact research shows that persons who continue to further their skills throughout their life are mostly those with an adequate income, coming from the middle and high classes or pensioners who are now retired.

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left therefore calls for a review of this system and suggests an increase in the national minimum wage and the introduction of training schemes, through tax incentives for those employers who give an incentive to their employees on minimum wage, without any discrimination, to attend courses during working hours.

This system is currently being applied on a voluntary basis by a number of enterprises, so their employees can improve their skills and abilities.