Businesses lash out at 'nonsensical' SIPTU proposal to reverse 9% VAT rate

Businesses are hitting out at SIPTU's suggestion that the reduced 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector is not being passed on to customers, employees or the exchequer.

The trade union is calling on the Finance Minister Michael Noonan to reinstate the 13.5% VAT rate in next week's Budget unless employers agree to sign up to a new pay rates and conditions for workers in the hotel, restaurant and tourism sectors.