‘Investment is needed before any wage hikes’

Employers body Ibec has said increased wages for low-paid workers — as proposed by Labour — will have to wait until more investment is first pumped into the economy.

Despite unprecedented growth figures for the economy this week, Ibec also ruled out a return to social partnership with workers and trade unions.

Speaking after a private meeting with Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin, officials outlined their demands for next month’s budget.