ISME survey reveals employers want no rise in staff wages this year

A group representing small businesses says it does not want to see an increase in employee wages this year.

ISME has released the results of its business satisfaction survey for the final quarter of 2014.

Satisfaction levels for the Government fell, with high business costs, and a lack of credit from banks also listed as negative points for doing business here.

CEO of ISME Mark Fielding, says the majority of small companies want their employee pay to remain the same this year:

Mr Fielding said: "Almost three-quarters of small businesses are hoping that wage levels remain the same as they were in 2014.

"A small percentage, 26%, said they were looking at maybe a small increase averaging about 1%.

"But in the main we are looking at trying to hold the line on wages this year. We have to talk in terms of productivity and competitiveness and government ministers talking about wage increases is premature to say the least."