ADVERTORIAL

This money could be transformative for businesses and so I would strongly encourage any business to apply.

Q: Has Ireland achieved the right balance between ensuring employees receive a sustainable Living Wage, and that wage costs are not too burdensome for SMEs?

A: Yes. Minister for Enterprise, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made workers’ rights a priority and introduced some important steps forward to ensure their protection. From paid sick leave, the move towards a living wage, minimum wage increases to an additional bank holiday, a lot has been done to benefit workers.

Of course, all of these decisions have an impact on businesses, especially smaller ones. There is a balance here in that businesses must be supported through these changes which is why they will not happen overnight. The move towards a living wage is happening over several years, as opposed to in one fell swoop when it would undoubtedly do damage to businesses.

In my engagements with businesses, I have heard their concerns on these supports, and this is something government can look at to ensure businesses are supported through this transition. More supports such as this will also help businesses in improving worker morale and retention levels so this is something that should also be considered when we are discussing these issues. ■