ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, has called on the Government to put the good of the economy above self-interest and desist from promoting unsustainable wage expectations. The Association warned that pre-election promises to further increase the minimum wage are already hindering job creation. 

Unemployment figures released today confirm that 191,700 people are unemployed, a reduction of -700 in the month. The standardised unemployment rate is now 8.9%. 
 
Commenting on the figures, ISME CEO, Mark Fielding, said, "The slowdown in the reduction of jobless numbers is a direct result of uncertainty among SMEs about their wage costs in the coming year. The knock-on effect of the 6% rise in the minimum wage, parental and paternity leave and the incessant call for the 'living wage' at €11.50 are making owners reassess their plans. 
 
"It is beyond negligent for the Taoiseach to be encouraging an economically damaging upward spiral in wages. Jobs growth and competitiveness is already suffering and is likely to decrease further as politicians attempt to buy the election with employers' money." 

Source: www.businessworld.ie