A Dublin supermarket chain has apologised for issuing a communication policy that told staff they must speak English at all times, including when on their breaks.

Three out of every 20 supermarkets and convenience stores failed to comply with the grocery sector’s own voluntary code on the display and sale of alcohol products last year.

It has been about 10 years since self-service machines were introduced to Irish supermarkets Róisín Burke finds that, while they’re here to stay, employees need not fear them... yet.

More than 50 enforcement actions were taken by the National Consumer Agency (NCA) against supermarkets, car dealers and waste operators in the first half of this year.

Tesco signalled an embarrassing retreat from the US today and admitted a key part of its performance in the UK was still not good enough.

Irish wireless broadband company Bitbuzz has reported a 26% year-on- year revenue increase — to just under €1.5m — for 2011, with its subscriber numbers up by 43%.

IN the final run-in to Christmas, business is booming at the Blue Haven Food Company as last-minute orders are readied for supermarket shelves around the country.

FRESH claims from rebel shareholder, Piotr Skoczylas, that Irish Life & Permanent (IL&P) can be recapitalised through private investment is unlikely to stop the Government virtually nationalising the group later this week.

FRESH divisions have emerged within the coalition Government after the Green Party said it will not support any plans to sell off commercial state firms and it repeated calls to radically reform the political donations system.

FRESH pressure was heaped on Health Minister Mary Harney last night to guarantee the reinstatement of services for people with intellectual disabilities.

FRESH opposition attempts to force a by-election for one of three vacant Dáil seats will be defeated, Taoiseach Brian Cowen has predicted.

FRESH warnings from the EU that Government cuts might need to be more severe than those already indicated is another reminder that all is still far from well with the national finances.

TESCO – spearheading a supermarket price war in Ireland – said it had a very strong performance over Christmas, reporting the best results in three years.

FRESH concerns are emerging that many redundant Dell and Bantha staff will not benefit directly from a European Globalisation Fund.

A FRESH inquiry has been demanded into the abuse of children with intellectual disabilities in institutions run by the Brothers of Charity in Galway.

FRESH controversy hit the Greens last night after Paul Gogarty quit as education spokesperson following clashes at the party’s conference last weekend.

A FRESH controversy about Eamon de Valera’s legacy to Co Clare has unfolded in the small Banner village of Parteen.

FRESH claims that Ryanair has received illegal state aid will be made before the European Court of Justice next week.

FRESH doubts were raised over the proposed takeover of Eircom yesterday when it was reported that potential buyer Swisscom had turned its attention to Denmark’s top fixed-line operator.

FRESH from banning sections of the British media from covering the English cricket tour, Zimbabwe yesterday moved closer to passing a contentious law that will restrict foreign funding of human rights groups.

FRESH signs that investors’ battered confidence could be on the mend came yesterday after the FTSE 100 Index closed up 146.1 points.