REI Warns Minimum Wage Hikes ‘Locking A Generation Of Workers Out Of Their First Job’

Retailers across the country are warning that rising business costs are putting enormous pressure on the sector, with many saying further increases to the national minimum wage could threaten jobs and investment.     Retail Excellence Ireland is now calling on the Low Pay Commission to pause any further minimum wage increases in 2027, arguing that while workers deserve fair pay, the pace of recent increases is making it harder for businesses to survive and reducing opportunities for young people entering the workforce.     Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was Jean McCabe, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence Ireland and owner of Willow in Ennis. Image (c) Retail Excellence Ireland