Industry group Food Drink Ireland, part of Ibec, says businesses in the prepared foods sector are struggling to recruit and retain staff. "The consequences could seriously hinder industry capability and undermine its ability to retain high-end customers and take advantage of much-needed market diversification opportunities," the group said. However, Food Drink Ireland says rising wages and living standards in central and eastern Europe over the past decade mean Ireland is no longer a draw for low-paid workers from these regions. Food Drink Ireland wants Government to remove food process operatives from a list of occupations ineligible for work permits - including providing an initial allocation of 500 permits for the sector. However, loosening work permit rules would likely be a drag on wages and ultimately inflation, something European Central Bank policymakers are desperately trying to lift.

Source: Irish Independent November 06, 2019 02:26 UTC