Irish labour costs high, survey finds

IRISH labour costs for farm machinery dealers are among the highest in Europe, according to a new survey.

The survey carried out last month showed that Irish rates matched those of Germany and France, two of Europe’s biggest farm machinery markets.

Only France, Germany and Denmark have a shorter working week than Ireland. The French working week of 35 hours has caused difficulty for farm machinery dealers there.

It is expected that the amount of overtime allowed will be increased by the French Government in an effort to allow for the provision of a service to farm machinery users.

CLIMMAR, the European farm machinery dealers’ association, whose members include the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association in the Republic, carried out the survey.

The FTMTA has, meanwhile, announced that applications for stand space at the 2003 Farm Machinery Show, at Punchestown Exhibition Centre, Naas, Co Kildare, next February, are ahead of expectations, with more than 70% of stand space booked.