The concern on disposable income of Maltese and Gozitan families, especially for those with lower earnings, was confirmed by official statistics published by the NSO, the Nationalist Party said in a statement.  It shows that the minimum wage in the country increased by an average of €2 per month during 2014, whereas on average, the minimum wage in the country between 2008 and 2014, increased by an average of €17 a month.

This means that for the approximately 10,000 people earning a minimum wage, their revenue over the past year has decreased substantially.  This is due to the fact that, apart from the minimal wage increase shown by the NSO, the Government introduced or raised a number of taxes and fees, including those on housing, MATSEC examinations, mobile phones, insurance, car licenses, and court fees, among others.

All this apart from the fact that Maltese families – including those with the lowest incomes – have been paying among the highest prices in Europe for diesel and petrol.  Contrary to Government promises to eradicate poverty in our country, the measures taken by the Government continue to reduce disposable income and put people at a higher risk of poverty.

The welcomed growth in the economy is not necessarily reflecting in an increase in salaries and disposable income. The NSO publication reitrerates the concern raised in recent weeks by a number of unions that salaries were not growing sufficiently.

The Nationalist Party embraces other constituted bodies that have already spoken on the issue and calls on the Government to address this reality to ensure a better quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan families, the statement concluded.