Any decision to delay increases to the minimum wage would be “morally bankrupt”, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said. 

With the economy facing a period of uncertainty due to US tariffs, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers told RTÉ that increases to the minimum wage could be pushed back to help businesses. 

The deadline for employers to enroll their staff in auto-enrolment pension schemes is also likely to be delayed. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Laura Bambrick of the ICTU said it was a mistake. 

“If Government is looking to cut or delay the minimum wage, it’s going to have an impact on his business and businesses like his,” she said. 

“Minimum wage workers spend all of their money - so, they’re your customers. 

“You have more customers, I imagine, than you have staff. 

“So, there’s going to be less money circulating in local economies going into small businesses.

“So, not only is it morally bankrupt to do this to our lowest paid workers, it’s economically short-sighted.” 

'My wage bill has gone up over 19%' 

Also on the programme, Finbarr Finlan of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association said the organisation supports the minimum wage but is concerned about the prospect of further increases to it. 

“[The minimum wage] sets a floor value for remuneration below which employers cannot pay,” he said. 

“But it also prevents a race to the bottom and competition among employers to compete exclusively on lower labour costs.” 

However, he added that many businesses are struggling at the moment. 

“Over the last two-years, my wage bill has gone up over 19%,” he said. 

“All SME owners like myself, we all want to do what’s best for our staff; they are the lifeblood of all our businesses. 

“However, we must ensure that we retain the viability of our businesses, to ensure that we continue to employ staff.” 

On January 1st, the minimum wage increased by 80 cents to €13.50.

Main image: Euro banknotes. Picture by: Alamy.com