ISME calls for embargo on public sector recruitment

Independent Business Organisation ISME has today expressed its disappointment at the latest inflation figures.

Inflation has risen again in the last month to 4.8%, the Central Statistics Office have announced.

“It is instructive that many of the biggest monthly increases recorded are, once again, in public services and utilities, confirming that the real threat to the Irish economy comes from state influenced costs, which are continuing to drive the headline inflation rate,” said ISME chief executive Mark Fielding.

“An embargo on public sector recruitment would help control the cost environment that is placing an oppressive burden on the rest of the economy and for which we are paying an exorbitant price.”

In the recent ISME Quarterly Business Trends Survey, economic uncertainty was identified as the immediate biggest concern for the business sector, mainly due to the continuing high inflation rate, the strong euro, rising oil prices, the uncertain interest rate environment, and a slowdown in the property sector.