IBEC: ESB pay increases 'disturbing'

IBEC has said the decision by the ESB to pay a 3.5% increase to staff at a time when cutbacks are needed is disturbing.

Chief economist Danny McCoy was speaking outside Government Buildings where talks between the social partners on spending cuts are continuing.

He said the pay increase sends out the wrong signal at this time.

Meanwhile, ICTU General Secretary David Begg said if more companies followed the ESB example, there would be fewer workers struggling to make ends meet.