Job retention scheme must be developed in light of tariff threat
Job retention scheme must be developed in light of tariff threat - The Labour Party
Labour’s Finance spokesperson Ged Nash said the government must develop a targeted job retention scheme in light of the tariff threat posed by the United States.
Deputy Nash said:
”There is little doubt that President Trump’s 50% tariff threat against the EU which he says could come in to play in early June is a negotiating ploy.
“However, any scenario where high tariffs come into force after the 90-day negotiating period is bad news for Irish jobs and businesses.
“Uncertainty is the enemy and the impact is already being felt on the ground in firms across the country
“Labour has argued for many years now for the development of a sophisticated job retention scheme that would be available to employers in sectors critical to our economic model where shocks arise from time to time.
“Such short time work schemes are common features of labour markets across Europe, and Ireland should be no exception.
“We need such schemes to keep skilled workers close to their employer during challenging periods and to avoid high numbers of job losses and the risk of key skills bleeding from our economy.
“In briefings led by the Taoiseach in recent weeks he has committed to exploring this initiative, which is also supported by both IBEC and ICTU.
“This could all get very real very quickly and Ireland must be prepared at every level.”