The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has urged political parties to address housing affordability and broader economic reforms in their manifestos ahead of the upcoming general election.
The next election must be held by next March at the latest but the government is widely expected to call an election before the end of the year, and perhaps soon after the Budget on 1 October.
In its submission before the country heads to the polls, ISME has outlined its key priorities, including housing and policy reforms to benefit SMEs and the wider economy.
Most pressingly though, ISME has called for SME employers to be given formal representation at the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), where representatives from the government, employers and trade unions discuss the economy, employment and the labour market.
“With the general election on the horizon, it is critical that political parties commit to addressing the key challenges facing employers, particularly those in the SME …