New changes proposed to USC

The minister for finance Mr Brian Lenihan has said that he will introduce the following changes to the implementation of the Universal Social Charge

• Medical card holders will not have to pay USC at the top 7% rate only at the lower rates
• The self-employed will pay an extra 3% surcharge on earnings over €100,000.00

We will post further details as they become available.

WORKING TIME ACT – TIME FOR A CHANGE?

Working time legislation has been in place since 1997. The basic thrust of the regulations is that workers may not work more than an average of 48 hours a week, are entitled to daily and weekly rest periods, and to 4 weeks’ paid holiday. Of course, no legislation, particularly coming from Europe, is ever quite so simple. The average hours are calculated over a 4 month period; young workers can only work 40 hours a week, certain sectors of workers are excluded; and the definition of what constitutes work is open to disagreement.