ISME slams SIPTU's stance on pensions

ISME, the Independent Business Organisation, has described the call by SIPTU President Jack O' Connor for mandatory employers’ pension contributions as provocative.

ISME chief executive Mark Fielding described Mr O' Connor's comments as unrealistic and an effort to heighten tensions between the unions and the small business community.

"It is all well and good for the leadership of SIPTU to criticise from their lofty lair in Liberty Hall, oblivious of the difficult cost environment in which many small businesses operate. This latest suggestion will burden these companies with a further cost, while the vast majority of employees are unwilling to contribute themselves, as evidenced from the measly take up of PRSAs," he said.

While the Association believes that the intention of the Government to increase employees' take-up of pensions from 50% to 70% of the workforce is well founded, there is concern that because of the refusal of employees to participate in PRSAs, the onus is now being put back on employers.