Hospitality and retail 'will need many millions in public supports for years to come'     

Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme has cost the exchequer over €2.7bn since its launch last summer

Hospitality, tourism, and retail business leaders are focusing on a lengthy extension of the reduced rate 9% Vat rate and want the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to go on well beyond its planned expiry date at the end of June. Picture: Larry Cummins

Business groups are anticipating the Government will need to spend many millions over multiple years to help save jobs in the worst-hit parts of the economy.

Hospitality, tourism, and retail business leaders are focusing on a lengthy extension of the reduced rate 9% Vat rate and want the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) to go on well beyond its planned expiry date at the end of June.