25 May 2004

Stand-down Rule Change Good News for Seasonal Workers

Changes to benefit stand-down rules promise to be a lot fairer for many seasonal workers facing hardship while temporarily out of a job, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

The Government says it is changing the rules because the way the initial stand-down period is assessed puts some seasonal workers under financial stress.

The new rules will reflect the worker’s income over the previous full year, rather than their income in the six months before applying for a benefit.

The current rules can mean tough times for workers and their families, Ross Wilson said.

“The change means that meat workers and others who might be earning a decent wage for only a short time can avoid a lengthy stand-down period before they get a benefit,” Ross Wilson said.

ENDS

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