ISME: Pay rises will lead to more job losses

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association has warned of an immediate increase in job losses unless the Government brings reality to the social partnership negotiations.

ISME's Mark Fielding said: "The independent small and medium business sector, which is not directly represented at the talks, is in such a state that any increased costs, whether in wages or Government stealth taxes, will most certainly result in enforced cut-backs, job losses and business closures.