Pictured from L to R: Vincent Jennings, CEO, Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, Caroline McEnery, MD, the HR Suite, Dr. Donal de Buitleir (Chairperson), Director of PublicPolicy.ie, Dr Ólaith Borthwick, Economist Limerick Chamber and Edel McGinley, Director Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

26 May 2015: Limerick Chamber Economist Dr. Órlaith Borthwick recently met with the Low Pay Commission to present Limerick Chambers members concerns over the impact any increase in minimum wage rates would have on businesses ability to create jobs.

Speaking after the presentation Dr. Borthwick said, “Limerick Chamber welcomes the establishment of the Low Pay Commission which should provide a flexible framework for wage adjustments in response to economic fluctuations. However, as we emerge from recession, with signs of stability and growth returning to the labour market, any increases in minimum wage rates at this point are premature”.

During the presentation Dr Borthwick noted that recent growth in the Irish economy has been fuelled by an overheated Dublin market; and while the Limerick region is well positioned to maximise the opportunities that will arise as the economy stabilises; the impact of this is yet to be felt in the regional capitals or rural towns and villages across the country. Limerick Chamber urged the Low Pay Commission to “assess the impact of a blanket increase in national minimum wage on a regional basis as significant differentials exist”.

Similarly, the Chamber highlighted the disproportionate impact that blanket increases to minimum wage will have on SME’s, as well as those in the retail and hospitality sectors.

“SME’s create two out of every three new jobs and labour is the most significant cost SME’s incur. Any increase in the baseline costs faced by business will threaten their financial stability and ability to create jobs. Additionally, the retail sector has been the hardest hit sector during the last number of years; if government is serious about supporting job creation and regional growth, then it cannot introduce a policy which will increase the costs faced by businesses” concluded Dr. Borthwick.

A full copy of Limerick Chamber’s Presentation to the Low Pay Commission is available here.

Ends

For more information contact Edwina Gore

m| 083-4588466 or

e|  egore@limerickchamber.ie

Notes to Editor: Dr. Órlaith Borthwick, on behalf of Limerick Chamber, presented to members of the Low Pay Commission on Monday 25^th May 2015.

Limerick Chamber is the largest business representative organisation in the Limerick region, representing almost 500 businesses who support 50,000 jobs across the region.