Naughten seeks changes to PRSI rules for self-employed

In Jobs by Denis Naughten

The rules governing PRSI contributions by the self-employed, which currently prevent access to State support, are causing financial hardship for some families and need to be reviewed, Independent candidate Denis Naughten has stated.

“There are many self-employed people who find themselves without work and who are not covered by PRSI as a result of the rules governing contributions by the self-employed. This situation causes serious hardship for these people and their families,” stated Denis Naughten.

“While Government has been looking at this issue we need to see action now – not more reports. We need to look at the UK model which allows self-employed people to become employees in certain situations and to pay PRSI contributions, which would offer protection where individuals become sick or cannot find work.

“We also need to look at the way in which tenders for State jobs are offered and to break them up to allow small businesses and the self-employed to tender. Instead of offering one, large scale contract to one business the alternative approach would allow small local businesses to tender for individual contracts such as painting local schools etc. and this would undoubtedly benefit both small businesses and the self-employed.

“We must support small business and the self-employed in order to help the local economy and assist with job creation,” concluded Denis Naughten.