Prime Minister Robert Abela held a pre-budget meeting with the General Workers' Union in Castille as part of its consultation process.

During the meeting, Abela said that the budget will not only be defensive, but will also be ambitious to increase investment and bring about more jobs.

Abela pressed on the need for the most support to be given to those who need it most, including pensioners and families on low income.

He said that the government is determined to continue helping, particularly in the energy sector, adding that in these two years the government would be supporting people by spending more than a billion euros to keep energy prices stable, adding that the weight of this will not be thrown onto workers and families.

GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja said that there is still a thirst in the country for more workers by employers, and pressed on the need to improve workers' skills.

Bugeja highlighted the importance of social dialogue, and expressed his satisfaction that the government will continue to sustain support in the energy and cereals sectors.

The GWU also stressed that the present COLA mechanism must be followed, but it will be open to discussions in the future.