Clare Fm - Podcasts

Businesses in Clare are expressing fears that they won't be able to absorb the additional cost brought about by the latest increase in the minimum wage. As the dust continues to settle on Budget 2025, those who didn't get what they'd hoped for in the way of supports are assessing the viability of their respective sectors going forward. While many are grateful for measures introduced in the Government's €8.3 billion package this week, not everyone is rejoicing. The announcement that the national minimum wage will increase by 80c to 13.50 per hour may be welcome news to workers but isn't necessarily music to the ears of business owners. Coupled with no reduction to the Hospitality VAT Rate which remains at 13.5% and uncertainty around eligibility for the Energy Subsidy Scheme, many feel there's not much there to ease the spiralling cost of doing business. Owner of Willow in Ennis and CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland Jean McCabe says if the Government wants to move towards the introduction of the Real Livin