Newbridge based Senator Fiona O’Loughlin called on her government colleagues to intervene and better support businesses experiencing staff shortages.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “I am in regular contact with many small and medium size business owners in South Kildare, and they have faced such adversity over the last 18 months, many of whom are fighting for their businesses very survival”
“Government subsidies have been forthcoming, and have stopped the financial bleeding for many businesses, and the business owners I speak to are complimentary of the suite of financial supports that have been made available to them- but the government now need to re position their focus, and support businesses back to financial independence.”
“On a positive note, covid has been transformative from a career perspective for many people. We have seen the workforce of tomorrow come one step closer, and we have embraced remote and blended working. It gave many people the opportunity to re-assess their career trajectory, with many choosing new and exciting career opportunities outside their pre-covid industry, and it is fantastic that such career mobility is possible in Ireland.”
“The covid crisis also encouraged a lot of non-Irish workers to return home to be closer to loved ones during the height of the pandemic, which has lead to staff shortages in some areas”
“Staff shortages are of particular concern, with many in the hospitality and other sectors struggling to hire appropriate staff”
Fiona concluded “The Tanaiste has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that we have a robust workforce that is fit for purpose, and he must do more to support businesses in standing on their own two feet. If businesses cannot access the skilled labour, they need to run their businesses effectively, they will never be able to return to the pre-covid operations. Visa’s are a particular issue, with many potential workers struggling to gain access to the employment market. We need to see the Tanaiste fulfil his brief and intervene”