‘My proposal is based on a simple principle’ – Sligo representative calls for targeted tax breaks for businesses hiring students

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Calls have been made for Government to recognise the challenges facing students and begin developing practical policy measures that make it easier for employers and public bodies to recruit students for part-time work.

The call from Cllr Edel McSharry follows responses from Ministers James Lawless and Jack Chambers to a motion brought by Cllr McSharry and unanimously supported by Sligo County Council.

The motion highlighted the increasing difficulties students face in securing suitable part-time employment while studying, despite rising living costs and strong demand from many students for flexible work opportunities.

Cllr McSharry said that students are often competing for jobs in a labour market where employers understandably seek staff who can offer consistent availability throughout the week.

“Many students are eager to work and need to work to help cover the costs of rent, transport, food and day-to-day living. However, the reality is that students must balance employment with lectures, study commitments and examinations. This can make employers reluctant to hire students even where there is a genuine willingness to work.”

The motion called on Government to consider targeted tax credits or PRSI reductions for businesses employing students in part-time roles, helping to offset the challenges employers may face in providing flexible working arrangements.

“My proposal is based on a simple principle. If we want employers to create more opportunities for students, we should examine ways of making that more attractive and affordable for businesses. A targeted tax or PRSI incentive could provide an important mechanism for doing this.”

In his response, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless acknowledged the financial challenges facing students and confirmed that the concerns raised by Sligo County Council would be noted in future discussions with the Department of Finance.

Cllr McSharry welcomed this engagement and said it is important that student employment now forms part of broader policy discussions on student supports and regional development.

The motion also called for greater involvement of public sector organisations in creating employment opportunities for students during summer periods and academic leave.

Responding on behalf of Government, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers outlined a number of existing initiatives, including Temporary Clerical Officer competitions and internship programmes, while noting that some local authorities and state agencies already recruit students.

“The Minister’s response demonstrates that student employment schemes already operate successfully in parts of the public sector. The next step should be the development of a more structured and coordinated national approach that encourages public bodies to create employment opportunities specifically for students.”

Cllr McSharry also reiterated her proposal that local authorities and community organisations explore dedicated student employment initiatives that would provide valuable work opportunities while supporting local services.

“Students are a vital part of our communities and local economy. Supporting them to access part-time employment is not simply about helping individual students; it is about ensuring that people can afford to study in regions such as Sligo and remain connected to the communities where we want them to build their future careers and lives.”

Cllr McSharry said she will continue to pursue the issue with Government departments and national policymakers.

“The responses received are constructive and show that the issue has been heard. However, I believe there is now a strong case for developing a national policy framework that supports employers, public bodies and community organisations to create more flexible employment opportunities for students. We need to move from acknowledging the problem to implementing practical solutions.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.