Retail Excellence Ireland: Focus on cost of living not living wage

A group representing the retail sector says Ireland's cost of living should be addressed before a 'living wage' is considered.

Retail Excellence Ireland is reacting to comments from the Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton, who wants employers to sign up to a 'living wage' agreement as the economy begins to grow again.

She thinks people would gain more spending power and become better able to leave welfare behind.

However, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland Sean Murphy says, while it may be a popular idea, it is not the way to go.

Mr Murphy said: "I think we're going to hear a lot more about it, it does sound like a positive sound bite, but the fundamental issue is, if we can reduce what is taken from people's wages, then it's cost of living.

"Focus on cost of living and then people can live properly, not living wage per se, in our view."