‘Living Wage’ Conference Will Set Unrealistic Expectations

Chambers Ireland is today (11/08/15) urging that realistic wage expectations are set ahead of the ‘living wage’ conference for Ireland announced today.   

Commenting on the forthcoming conference, Mark O’Mahoney, Director of Policy and Communications, Chambers Ireland said “The concept of a ‘living wage’ is itself much contested and there is no evidence that it can be widely applied to an effectively functioning high employment economy. The figure of €11.50 being proposed is 33% higher than the current minimum wage. In the UK, voluntary sign-up for the living wage has largely been limited to multinationals and financial institutions with high margins and relatively low employee numbers. These companies operate in an entirely different environment to that of the average Irish business. Expecting a similar commitment from SMEs or labour intensive sectors is unrealistic.”

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For further information contact Mark O’Mahoney, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4300, 087 9707676
or email mark.omahoney@www.chambers.ie 

Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.