Fiona McCarthy Workers Party Representative for North Belfast has called on the Westminster Government to give compensation to those carers affected by the cliff edge and were penalised and charged with fraud.

Ms McCarthy said that the Department of Works and Pensions were aware of the problem and did not take action to alert carers but instead demanded thousands of pounds be re-paid and instigated criminal proceedings which resulted in some carers receiving prison sentences and criminal records.

While it is good news for carers that the government is removing the cliff edge, they must acknowledge the detrimental impact that the problem had on those who are saving the government billions each year by caring for vulnerable and ill family members, £86 per week is hardly a kings ransom and to take the total allowance because carers earned a few pennies over the limit, is not only outrageous but cruel.

Ms McCarthy also challenged the government on failing to implement the promise to raise the minimum wage for young people because they fear employers may cease to employ young people. Ms McCarthy said it is more likely that employers are afraid of losing their cheap pool of labour and a decrease in profits accumulated on the backs of young working class people.

Exploitation of workers of any age should never be tolerated and workers should be united in building a socialist society that ensures the profits of their labour is distributed for the benefit of those who produce the wealth, “ the workers”.