Majority of small firms 'having difficulty attracting staff'
The Small Firms Association has said more than three quarters of its members are having difficulties filling vacancies due to a shortage of available workers.
In its latest economic statement, the business group says more than 60% of small firms have been forced to raise their pay in order to attract new staff.
The association is calling on the Government to review the work-permit system in order to address the shortage by making Ireland a more attractive place for migrants to live and work.
Meanwhile, the SFA has also used its summer statement to express support for the new social partnership deal, but warns that anti-inflation measures are urgently needed to tackle rising prices.
On employment, it says prospects remain good, with 50,000 positions expected to be created in the small business sector this year.
