Nearly half of Irish-based employers to offer workers a pay hike in 2011

NEARLY half of Irish-based employers are anticipating being in a position to offer their workers a pay rise next year, according to a new survey.

The study — carried out by human resources consultancy, Mercer — found that 41% of employers are projecting salary increases for all of their staff in 2011; 36% are planning increases for part of their workforce and 22% are anticipating a pay freeze. Only 1% of respondents said they foresee pay cuts.

However, most of the positivity comes from larger Irish organisations and multinational companies based here. When smaller fully Irish-owned companies were questioned, only 17%, in comparison, said they expect to be able to issue pay rises to all staff members next year.