Latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show the Government is pushing more and more people into unemployment, while punishing them with sanctions for being out of work.

“It’s no wonder people are fleeing the country in droves with this Government punishing people for being unemployed at a time when there are little to no jobs,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March.

“This is blatant cruelty dressed up as policy. People deserve to live in dignity and to be supported in times of need, not punished.

“It’s time to move past the Government’s heartless game of blame and shame, where beneficiaries are targeted with arbitrary sanctions which have doubled since this Government took office.

“Sanctions strip people of the basics they need to live, with no proof that they help anyone find paid work. The Government increasing sanctions on the unemployed when there are little to no jobs is beyond cruel.

“Right now, Student Job Search data shows graduates are vying for a shrinking number of vacancies, leaving people stranded and increasingly without hope. Despite fewer job listings being available for a growing number of people on the benefit, the Government is hellbent on punishing the unemployed.

“This Government for the rich doesn’t care about people doing it tough. We can afford to care for each other, our communities deserve so much better.

“The Green Party ran on a fully costed plan to end poverty - built on a fair tax system. A Green Government will guarantee liveable incomes, scrap cruel benefit sanctions, and offer meaningful support to connect people with jobs that match their skills and aspirations,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.

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