Business groups warn minimum wage hike will mean many retail staff 'will not have jobs'

Chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland Jean McCabe said the Government must share the financial burden with tax relief

It is understood that the Low Pay Commission is to recommend the Government increase the minimum wage by 5% in the upcoming budget bringing the hourly rate up from €13.50 an hour to €14.15 an hour. File photo: Patrick Bolger/Bloomberg

Business representative groups have criticised the potential further increase in the minimum wage in the upcoming budget saying it will “suffocate small businesses” and that many retail employees “will not have jobs” if it goes through.

It is understood that the Low Pay Commission is to recommend the Government increase the minimum wage by 5% in the upcoming budget bringing the hourly rate up from €13.50 an hour to €14.15 an hour. The recommendations of the Low Pay Commission are usually implemented by the Government.