Remove Work Limits For Persons With Disabilities, PL Candidate Urges

Apr 19 2024

Steve Ellul, a Labour Party candidate for the European Parliament elections, is advocating for amendments to ensure that large companies fulfill their obligation to employ people with disabilities instead of evading this requirement through low contributory payments.

His proposal aims to increase disability employment rates and enable individuals to realize their potential in the workforce.

Ellul highlighted during a Chamber of Commerce debate that despite the law mandating firms with over 50 employees to allocate 2% of their workforce to people with disabilities, the reality is stark: one in every five individuals relying on unemployment benefits is a person with a disability.

Currently, companies can bypass this requirement by paying a contribution capped at €10,000.

Ellul proposes eliminating this cap and making the contribution equivalent to the median wage of an employee, emphasizing that entrepreneurs should not exploit loopholes but comply with the law.

He stressed that in a tight labor market like Malta’s, excluding willing workers with disabilities is counterproductive. Ellul emphasized that this initiative is not charity; rather, it harnesses the potential of young individuals with disabilities to significantly contribute to Malta’s industries.

Furthermore, Ellul advocated for extending employment opportunities for people with disabilities within government entities exceeding 50 employees. He underlined the necessity of aligning legal amendments with comprehensive training programs for individuals with disabilities and employers to facilitate successful integration into the workforce.

Ellul believes that these policy changes will positively impact people’s lives and foster a more inclusive and productive society.

#MaltaDaily

Stabbiltà Initiative Sustains March Decline in Food Prices and Inflation

Apr 19 2024

In a recent report from the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, Malta celebrates a notable achievement in its economic landscape. The data reveals a substantial decline in food prices, marking a significant shift towards stabilization and alignment with European Union averages.

According to official statistics released by the European Union for March, Malta experienced a consecutive decrease in food prices for the second month running. Remarkably, food prices have seen a 2% reduction since the end of January, positioning Malta’s inflation rate at 2.7% in March, down from 3.7% in January. This swift reduction has effectively bridged the gap between Malta’s inflation rate and the EU average, a testament to the efficacy of Malta’s Stability initiative.

The report underscores the impact of Stabbiltà on various food categories, elucidating how the initiative has transformed the trajectory of price trends. For instance, the price of coffee, which saw a concerning inflation rate in Malta, has now aligned closely with the European average. Similarly, frozen vegetable prices, which previously soared in Malta while moderating in neighbouring countries, have halved in inflation rate since January, bringing them in line with EU levels.

Furthermore, Stabbiltà has brought about a significant reversal in the inflation rates of essential food items like margarine and processed fish, particularly oil tuna. Whereas Malta previously experienced inflation rates exceeding the European average, these rates have now diminished, with some products even witnessing price decreases compared to the previous year.

The ministry’s report also highlights the positive impact of Stabbiltà on cereal product prices, which, after a period of divergence, have begun to align with European trends once more. Notably, the inflation rate for cereal products has more than halved since the introduction of Stabbiltà , demonstrating a swift response to economic intervention.

In essence, Malta’s economic landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation thanks to the Stabbiltà initiative. By realigning food prices with international trends and significantly reducing inflation rates, Malta is poised for greater economic stability and resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

#MaltaDaily

Two Men On The Run After Robbing Marsaskala Shop

Apr 19 2024

Today, at around 06:15hrs, police were informed that a robbery had taken place in Triq il-Kavallieri ta’ Malta, Marsaskala.

Police convened on site and preliminary investigations showed that two men, reportedly armed with a knife, entered the shop and stole an amount of cash.

The thieves then escaped the crime scene, but no one was reported injured. Police are still searching for the culprits.

A magistrate has been informed of the case as police continue their investigations.

#MaltaDaily

No One Should Be Refused The Right To Vote, MFOPD States

Apr 19 2024

As Malta prepares for the forthcoming elections to select Members of the European Parliament, a critical issue demands attention: the exclusion of individuals with disabilities from exercising their fundamental right to vote. This pressing concern, underscored by the Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD), sheds light on the systemic challenges that hinder the full participation of marginalized groups in the electoral process.

In the view of MFOPD, voting rights represent more than just political engagement—they embody the principles of inclusivity and societal empowerment. However, persistent barriers, ranging from inaccessible information to the inability to cast votes in secrecy, continue to marginalize persons with disabilities, depriving them of their voice and agency in shaping the democratic landscape.

The MFOPD’s stance is resolute: the status quo is untenable. Every individual, regardless of disability, deserves the opportunity to elect representatives who will champion their rights and advocate for their interests. This conviction finds resonance in Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which unequivocally safeguards the right to free and fair elections conducted through secret ballot.

In response to these urgent challenges, MFOPD issues a clarion call to the Maltese Parliament: prioritize electoral reform and dismantle barriers that impede the full participation of all citizens in the democratic process. This imperative extends beyond mere rhetoric—it requires concrete actions to foster accessibility and inclusivity within electoral practices, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

As the electoral countdown begins, let us heed the call of MFOPD and reaffirm our commitment to democracy—one that upholds the principles of equality and ensures equal access to the ballot box for all citizens.

#MaltaDaily