Businesses scrounging on labour costs, say unions

UNION leaders last night accused businesses of scrounging on labour costs despite the high level of productivity among Irish workers.

Figures released yesterday reveal Ireland is the fourth cheapest location for hiring workers in the EU. However, when it comes to productivity, Irish workers are among the best in the world, earning more per person for the economy than all their European counterparts.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said the figures were proof that wages could be increased without any detrimental effect to the economy.