Pension support for public sector workers will be slashed, in changes announced on Friday 9th December.
Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) mainly employs disabled and vulnerable adults.
GMB Union has been seeking meetings with the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey – but in the absence of a functioning executive speaking directly has been difficult.
The Department of Communities’ key strategic priorities includes tackling disadvantages and promoting equality of opportunity by reducing poverty. It also involves promoting and protecting the interests of children, older people, people with disabilities and other excluded groups by addressing inequality and disadvantage.
GMB argues that this decision directly contradicts the Department’s stated aims.
Peter Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“This is a disgraceful decision imposed on Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL).
“Many of the workers affected are those already marginalised – through disability and other vulnerabilities.
“For a non-elected government body to decide to reduce support for these workers is yet further evidence why the people of Northern Ireland deserve a properly functioning executive.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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