Business group IBEC has criticised the Government's plan to reverse a proposed cut in the minimum wage.
IBEC said the plan was 'at odds with the economic needs of the country' and would undermine job creation. IBEC also called for an overhaul of the rules covering regulated wages.
IBEC director of industrial relations Brendan McGinty said an increased minimum wage of €8.65 an hour would be nearly 30% ahead of the rate in Britain and Northern Ireland.
He also claimed that many of Ireland's regulated wage rates were too high by international standards and were 'a major obstacle' to job creation, particularly in areas such as retail and hospitality.
