Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey along with community representatives today met Communities Minister Cará Ní Chuilín to discuss a pay review and terms and conditions for community sector workers.

The West Belfast MP said: 

“Earlier in the year I met with Communities Ministers Deirdre Hargey and subsequently with Carál Ní Chuilín to discuss a pay review for community sector workers.  

“Minister Hargey immediately commenced the review and Minister Ní Chuilín has confirmed that she will have the findings in the near future.  

“There has been a freeze on the pay of community workers since 2009. This pay freeze is unacceptable.   

“Over the course of the last eleven years, the cost of living has greatly increased and pay must account for this inflation. 

“Throughout the years, the community sector has done tremendous work in supporting the vulnerable in communities. During the COVID19 pandemic the community sector has been particularly exceptional and I have no doubt they have saved many lives with their initiatives to support the vulnerable. 

“The community sector must be recognised for their invaluable contribution to society and ending the pay freeze would be a step in recognising their role.”