Ibec weighs measures to ease winter energy bills that act as 'tax on households and businesses'

The group expects the cost pressures on businesses from energy price spikes and global supply chain disruptions to alleviate but that the Omicron variant could prolong the crisis

Ibec chief economist Gerard Brady: 'The short-term maintenance of the employment wage subsidy scheme is crucial.'

Ireland's main business group Ibec may examine measures the Government could take to help businesses ride out the winter storm of higher energy bills.

It comes as wholesale energy costs, including European gas and global crude oil prices, jumped on Tuesday, suggesting there will be little let up in the potential of further hikes in retail energy costs for Irish businesses and households this winter.