Social partners to resume pay talks

Efforts to resume talks on a new national pay deal are to get underway today when unions and employers meet the Taoiseach at Government Buildings in a bid to break the deadlock between the social partners.

The talks collapsed at the beginning of last month when unions refused to accept a pay freeze, which employers say is crucial to maintain competitiveness in the economy.

The Mandate trade union said there will be no deal in the new round of talks unless low paid workers are protected.

The union - which represents retail, bar and restaurant staff - is seeking a flat rate pay increase for its members of around €30 a week.

General Secretary of Mandate, John Douglas, said he recognised the financial challenges, but insisted that Ireland's most vulnerable workers must be protected.