State may not be able to afford pay hikes, warn economists

ECONOMISTS have expressed fears that the State will not be able to afford pay rises for public sector workers in the proposed new national pay deal.

The warning came as unions discussed whether to throw their weight behind a last-ditch Government proposals for a new national pay deal.

Key members of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions were upbeat beforehand that it would be accepted if the details of the full deal were available.