Job protection measures central to talks

THE Government has told unions it is prepared to pump money into new job protection measures but it will divert the funds from social welfare payments.

In return, unions have told the Government they will re-enter social partnership talks on a new national economic recovery plan – as long as the Government gives more binding commitments on private sector pension protection.

In a letter received by Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) general secretary David Begg yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen agreed that measures were required to maintain employment.