Bruton plays down IMF sick-leave report

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton is playing down the significance of an IMF report which says employers should cover part of sick-pay costs.

The staff report, published on Friday, has re-ignited tensions between Mr Bruton and Joan Burton, social protection minister, who wants to cut some of the €900m her department pays out in illness benefit each year.

Ms Burton believes the report supports her stance and plans to re-table plans to force employers to pay part of sick-leave cover when budget discussions get under way in the autumn.