SMEs are facing more costs and changes than they can absorb, Cork business group warns

Likely hike in the national minimum wage, the possibility Vat will not be reduced for the hospitality sector, and the full commencement of pension auto-enrolment could 'jeopardise viability' for small firms

The CBA is calling for phased implementation and supports. 'Rather than front-loading all changes at once,  sectors with low margins should receive support.'

Small businesses in Ireland are bracing themselves for "unsustainable" cost loads in the new year, the Cork Business Association (CBA) has warned.

A likely hike in the national minimum wage, the possibility Vat will not be reduced for the hospitality sector, and the full commencement of pension auto-enrolment are feared by many small firms to be more than they can absorb.