Taoiseach Brian Cowen is expected to meet unions and employers this week to try to revive talks on a new national wage deal.
IBEC Director General Turlough O'Sullivan reiterated his call on the Government to show clear leadership if national pay talks are resumed.
Speaking on This Week , Mr O'Sullivan said the Government had shown some leadership by postponing ministerial pay increases, which were due to come into effect in September, but it needed to do more.
He said the Government needs to bring the social partners together and make it clear that a moderate and competitive wage agreement is needed in the national interest to protect jobs.
He also ruled out the suggestion of employers taking measures to help the lowest paid, saying if something was to be done on this front it should involve the government tweaking PRSI or tax.
However, union sources have said that if resumed talks are to succeed, clear intent has to be shown by government and employers.
IMPACT general secretary Peter McLoone said nothing had really changed since the talks ended at the end of July.
He said unions would be setting out the areas where the sides remain separated for the Taoiseach.
He added that substantial gaps remain on pay, measures to help the lower paid, and non-pay workplace issues, such as union recognition.
