Future of social partnership talks may be known today

The future of the latest social partnership talks could be known later today, with speculation suggesting the discussions may be abandoned.

The leadership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is meeting to decide its approach to the talks, while the Cabinet will also discuss whether the Government should continue with the process.

There has been much pessimism surrounding the talks between unions, employers and the Government on a strategy for economic recovery.

The unions and the employers have both been pushing for measures to protect jobs and halt growing unemployment, while the unions have also been seeking pension protection for workers.

Last week, SIPTU said it was losing hope that any agreement could be reached.