The GWU said this evening that the Budget was a fair exercise with a social soul which helped everyone, especially the weakest.

The union said the Budget promoted work and supported those who wished to work.

Importantly, this was a Budget built on social justice.

It was a Budget should would boost economic growth and fiscal stability while fighting precarious work, waste and abuse.

The GWU welcomed the reduction in water and electricity tariffs, investment in education, health and the environment.

The union said it was pleased that several proposals it made before this Budget and before the general election had been taken on board.

UHM PROPOSALS TAKEN ON BOARD

The UHM noted that its Making Work Pay proposal had been taken on board in the Budget, particularly where it had proposed incentives to encourage women to go out to work.

The union hoped that more of its proposals would be taken up.

The Union said it would have preferred a government commitment to a timetable for the introduction of second pillar pensions.

The union was however pleased that proposals it had been to assist cooperatives had also been adopted.

The union regretted the increase in the price of petrol but welcomed incentives for first time buyers and the increases in stipends.