The Small Firms’ Association has said European intervention might be needed to tackle the ‘black’ economy, saying the problem is only increasing and is robbing as much as €6bn per annum from the exchequer.

Chambers Ireland has urged the Government to reverse the proposal to abolish the redundancy rebate for employers, saying the move will result in further wholesale job losses.

The Small Firms’ Association launched its business awards yesterday aiming to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland.

HEALTH union IMPACT has warned that Government plans for a 3% reduction in public service payroll costs by the end of 2009 will damage services particularly for the country’s most vulnerable.