Businesses rush to put contingencies in place as staff levels plummet

Employers' body Ibec estimates that between 15%-18% of workers in most industries are currently out of work due to Covid — rising to up to 20% in manufacturing.

The spiralling Covid-19 case numbers are causing havoc for businesses and key services, with An Post now warning some post offices may have to close due to high pandemic-related absences.

Employers' body Ibec estimates that between 15%-18% of workers in most industries are currently out of work due to Covid — rising to up to 20% in manufacturing.