ISME repeats call for scrapping of pay deal

The business group ISME is repeating its call for the scrapping of the national wage agreement in light of the massive economic downturn in 2008.

The organisation says wages and labour costs are a major source of worry for its members.

It says almost half of companies are employing fewer people now than they were 12 months ago and more than half are planning to lay off staff in the coming year.