The latest numbers show tax revenues in January were down 9pc compared to the same month last year, including big falls in Vat and excise duty, while social welfare spending was 42pc higher.
January is an important month for Vat collection which is usually boosted by pre-Christmas trading, however, Vat receipts last month were down €340m from last year.
That reflects the hit to trading from the successive lockdowns in November and late December, and suggests CSO retail sales data that showed a rise in December spending has not translated into the tax take.
The Exchequer figures record a total €520m drop in cash terms of tax collected versus the same month last year.
Online webinars have become part and parcel of business life
Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business Damien English took part in an online Q&A with members of Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber. The business owners had a number of questions for the Minister, surrounding Covid payment schemes, issues facing Bricks and Mortar companies, vat rates and the CE Scheme.
Below is just a flavour of what was discussed in the hour-long session..
Staying on the topic of webinars, Enterprise Ireland has an upcoming series on export issues. The Export Compass Series will run fortnightly from January 28th, over five sessions.
Over 16,400 employment work permits were issued last year as the need for companies to hire workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) remained strong, despite the impact of Covid-19 on business.
Figures published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment show a record 16,419 permits were issued to over 3,330 employers during 2020 – an increase of 37 permits on the previous year.
It is the highest annual total of work permits issued since online records began in 2009.
In addition, over 900 applications for permits were refused, while more than 630 applications were withdrawn.
Social media companies, meat factories and hospitals were again among the largest employers seeking permits for workers from outside the EEA, which includes EU member states as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
The publication of the Remote Work Strategy has laid the foundation for a more progressive, employee-centred workforce and community-focused society, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Taoiseach informed that Debenhams workers rejected Labour Court proposal by 91%
Workers had been “shocked” and “disappointed” at the proposal for a €3m education and training fund. By Gráinne Ní Aodha Thursday 14 Jan 2021, 10:51 AM Jan 14th 2021, 10:51 AM 21,607 Views 44 Comments Debenham strikers outside the back entrance to the store in Newbridge County Kildare
Image: RollingNews.ie
Image: RollingNews.ie
A UNION HAS WRITTEN to the Taoiseach informing him that Debenhams workers have rejected the Labour Court’s suggested dispute resolution between former workers and the British retail chain.
The proposal document brokered by the Labour Court’s Kevin Foley had suggested setting up a €3 million fund to provide ex-Debenhams workers with training, education, career guidance and business startup supports.