News

65% of companies increased basic pay this year, with an average increase of 2.8%, the latest Ibec HR Update Survey shows. The figures are higher than had been expected in the business group’s 2020 report, which Ibec said is indicative of the ongoing economic recovery. The proportion of employers awarding pay increases will be 75%…

New safety guidelines for nightclubs, live events, bars and restaurants will be published today. The Taoiseach told a meeting of his party last night the guidance for venues reopening on Friday would be practical and common sense will apply. Today’s updated guidelines are expected to permit the multiple booking of tables in bars and restaurants.…

Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has warned members of the Oireachtas finance committee that planned new laws to make it easier to hold financial firm managers accountable for failings under their watch “cannot operate effectively” as long as a ban on bonuses remains in place. The comments were contained in a 15-page submission to…

Health insurance premiums look set to decrease as a result of the Health Insurance Authority’s recommendation of a one-off cut to the health insurance levy paid by insurers. The HIA has proposed to the Minister for Health that 10% or €45 be taken off the levy on advanced products and 22% or €35 should be…

A majority of renters still hope to own their own homes, according to research by a State housing body. However, two thirds of tenants now see the cost rental model as an longer term option, according to a survey published by the Land Development Agency (LDA). The LDA will be the main provider of cost…

More expensive energy and services boosted euro zone inflation as expected in September, data showed today, with core inflation also higher. The European Union’s statistics office Eurostat said consumer prices in the euro zone rose 0.5% month-on-month in September for a 3.4% year-on-year rise, as earlier estimated by Eurostat. While the headline number was well…

A public consultation is being launched today on the work of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare. Established earlier this year, the Commission is an independent body tasked by Government with reviewing how best the taxation and welfare system can support economic activity and income redistribution. The Commission is also examining ways of ensuring that…

The cost of insurance for businesses and voluntary groups continues to rise despite reductions in the value of certain personal injury awards introduced earlier this year, a new survey has found. The Alliance for Insurance Reform says recent insurance renewal costs are up 15% on average, despite the changes made by the Judicial Council being…

One in four householders believe they will still be paying off their mortgage or paying rent when they retire, according to research from insurer Aviva. The belief is most prevalent among women in the 35-44 year age category. However, a surprisingly large proportion of people aged over 55 – about a fifth – said they…

The increase in the state pension in last week’s budget together with the decision not to raise the retirement age are impacting on the sustainability of the overall pension system here, according to an international ranking of pension regimes carried out by consultants Mercer. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI) is a comprehensive…