Employers hit out at potential fines hike

EMPLOYERS have reacted angrily to the prospect of increased fines for law breaking companies.

According to the Law Reform Commission, maximum fines should be increased from €3,000 to €9,000 to provide a real deterrent to companies who flout health and safety, environmental and competition laws.

At the launch of its report on Penalties for Minor Offences yesterday, it warned that “the money to be made from evading regulations is greater than anything the company is likely to be fined if caught.”