ISME calls for public sector pay freeze

The small and medium enterprise group ISME has called for a recruitment embargo and pay pause in the public sector.

The forthcoming budget should be used to stimulate confidence, growth and competition, with public sector reform as the top priority, according to the association.

The group has also claimed that an immediate freeze on local charges and stealth taxes is badly needed.

The association's pre-budget submission has stressed that the Government should maintain the National Development Plan and in particular its infrastructural projects.